HYDERABD, DEC 29   :     Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) Ravi Gupta on Friday stated that 2023 has been an “incident free’ year in the state compared to the previous year.

He, however, said that 2023 was an hectic year for the police department due to State legislative Assembly Election which had concluded recently.

Basic policing would be our core mission, Ravi Gupta in his annual press meet said, we are duty bound to serve and protect the citizens of the state.

All officers have been instructed to be accessible and transparent in their day-to-day functioning in tune with Government vision of Praja Vani/Praja Palaana, he said.

We realize that people come to us in distress… being TS Police will be empathetic and responsive to all sections of the society especially to vulnerable sections, Gupta said We will ensure their issues are resolved within the ambit of law .

As part of Basic policing, we will be reaching he doorsteps of the citizens through community outreach, he said prevention of crime will be our focus points. Two of the biggest challenges facing the police are the drug menace and increasing cyber crimes, the top police officer said that the government has been very supportive by strengthening the two new wings which will exclusively deal with these problems.

The DGP said recently, ADG level officers have been posted to these wings and the process of strengthening this has begun.

We will be extremely tough with those dealing with drugs, he said ‘A zero tolerance policy’ will be followed as far as drugs are concerned .

Anyone allowing their premises where drugs can be used or available will also be severely dealt with, he warned and appealed to parents to keep a watch on the activities of their children and see they don’t fall into this trap.

Gupta also requested educational institutions to be vigilant regarding sale and purchase of drugs in and around their institutions.

He also requested through the media to all citizens to share with us any information relating to sale and purchase of drugs. we assure you that your identity will be protected .

With regard to Cybercrimes, the DGP said the Telangana State police has been a pioneer in establishing an exclusive cyber security bureau, making it the only agency of its kind in the country.

We were also the first to have a dedicated call centre for 1930 the national helpline for cybercrimes and also T4C, he informed.

Since the establishment of the centre, we have received almost 90,000 complaints, Gupta said We have registered 14,000 FIRs and frozen 133 crores belonging to accused.

We have also blocked almost 30,000 sims used by offenders, the DGP said from this week , we have also started blocking IMEI numbers of suspicious numbers .

For convenience of public, we have also started an SMS service since yesterday for 1930 number, he said.

The DGP urged the citizens to be alert, as most of the cybercrimes occur since we do not think before clicking/ sharing details.(UNI)