The recently appointed senior superintendent of police (SSP) of Haridwar district, Ridhim Aggarwal, was earlier the SSP of special task force and also handled cyber crimes as part of her responsibilities. An Indian Police Service officer of the 2005 batch from Uttarakhand, she did her schooling from Chandigarh. Having assumed charge as the Haridwar SSP on October 14, she talked about her priorities and other aspects to The Pioneer. Excerpts from the interview:
What are your priorities for the district as its SSP?
The topmost priority which any police officer has is crime control. Secondly, my priority is working out most heinous cases that have been pending closure for long so that recurrence can be minimised. I believe that crimes like dacoity and loot may sound petty to some but if not controlled, the probability of their recurrence becomes more.
My focus would also be on curbing such crimes for which a dedicated team of gazetted officers shall be formed. Thirdly, addressing child related crimes is also crucial and one of my priorities especially as such crimes leave a lifelong psychological impact on the victim.
Public complaints on regular basis will be dealt with on priority basis.
Apart from this I would also ensure good police behavior towards public by my team members. The police have to do tough handling but at the same time be cautious and never misbehave with the public.
Do you plan any special measures for security of women, any changes in the present system of vigilance at public places?
It is sad that crimes against women are on rise, be it rape cases or dowry harassment. For this more awareness among people shall be brought about by our women helpline. Special team of women constables shall be posted outside schools and colleges to check eve teasing. A squad shall be deployed during starting and closing time of different educational institutions on different days. Not many girls report crimes done to them so a special helpline could be made to enable women to report their problem and their names shall be kept secret if they wish so during reporting or lodging of FIR. Over the past few years, my personal observation is that cybercrime is on rise. Photographs are taken from Facebook and morphed into vulgar pics. I have handled such for long. Women must speak up to the police about any such case and they must rest assured that the information will be kept secret with us.
With local body elections underway these days, mining mafia is on a spree as police force is busy in election duty.Your take on this?
This is actually the responsibility of mining and revenue department. The stone crushers must act responsibly but police definitely have to check if some illegal acts take place. For instance the police stations and posts have been directed to keep a check and control the transportation of mined material and overloading of vehicles, especially at night. Any miscreant found violating the rules is penalised.
What is your typical work day like?
I take a round of my area before coming to my office and get to feel the requirements of my force. I handle public complaints pre lunch and post lunch I look for any gaps in files, discuss issues regarding policy matters, surveillance development, infrastructure with gazetted officers. My focus is on night patrolling and officers patrolling near forest area where poaching is rampant. Regarding recent incident of elephant being shot dead in a village near Roorkee, a special dedicated team is being formed in conjunction with the divisional forest officer to work jointly with forest team to nab those involved.
What motivated you to become a police officer?
The uniform attracted me since childhood when I was studying. Once when I was in school in Chandigarh, a police officer came to our school’s annual function. I had my mind settled to join police. Policing is my passion which demands dedication and I never wanted simple 9 to 5 job. There is certain aura of this uniform which made an impact on me and my blood boils when I see injustice. I wish to use this responsibility to develop confidence in public.
What are the major challenges before you as Haridwar SSP?
To build public confidence and trust is the biggest challenge before me because with any happening a common man is affected the most. Enforcement of law and order and coordinating with all departments to ensure safety for one and all is the biggest challenge. The circle officers have been instructed to ensure traffic signals are followed. It is absurd that there are only four to five traffic signals in the entire city while there are many busy points which are manned manually by police. Identifying such points, we would ask for engineering of more traffic signals. Also more alcometers shall be provided to police personnel to check drunk driving and heavy penalisation shall be enforced. Tourists are the major component in this pilgrimage city so giving them maximum facilities is also my focus.
What steps are being taken or planned to enforce the high court order imposing restrictions on use of loudspeakers in temples/mosques/gurudwaras and residential areas?
Whenever anyone calls on 100 and informs of such non-compliance, we take immediate action. We are trying for complete compliance of the order and for this awareness is also being generated among public. All police stations have been directed to ensure compliance without fail.
What you would suggest to young ladies wanting to join the police?
There is no other profession demanding responsibility as policing. It is not a job but a service for those who feel for the society. There are no specific traits required to join the police, though you must have human touch and capability to judge who is true and who a liar. Common sense with sensibility make a good police man/woman. I encourage the young ladies telling them that they would be the symbol of woman empowerment, if they join the police.
