CCTV bringing down crime rate: TS Ministers

Boduppal: Ministers Talasani Srinivas Yadav and Ch Malla Reddy on Wednesday said the "speciality enjoyed by the Hyderabad police was not there anywhere else" and that the crime rate in the State had gone down by 75-80 per cent.

"Telangana is the only State after the USA to possess the highest number of patrolling vehicles. CC cameras are playing a crucial role in prevention and control of crimes," they observed while inaugurating CCTV surveillance system at Veerareddynagar Crossroads donated. The equipment worth Rs 10 lakh was donated by TRS leader Rasala Venkatesh.

Addressing the gathering, the ministers asserted that installation of CC cameras across the city had resulted in the crime rate falling during the last 3 years. However, they stated that people need to be alert and inform the police before hand in the event of any incident. The ministers complimented Venkatesh for donating 85 CC cameras.

Srinivas Yadav and TRS leader Jekka Venkat Reddy each announced donation of Rs 10 lakh for installation of CC cameras, along with Singireddy Padma Reddy, Puligandla Janga Reddy, Kotha Ravi Goud, Rapol Ramulu, Bingi Jangayya Yadav, Bandaram Nageswar Goud, who announced to give Rs 5 lakh each.

In his address, Rachakonda Police Commissioner Mahesh Bhagwat said there were eight lakh CC cameras across the State. "Installation of CC cameras is causing a scare among criminals." He stated that the SHE teams were active in ensuring protection to women.

The CP said the police were working 24 hours a day and that chain-snatching in Rachakonda police limits had fallen. Bhagwat appealed to people to donate a part of their income for the installation of CC cameras. Already 2,940 CC cameras had been installed on the main roads of colonies under Medipally police station limits. "There is a need for CC cameras at many places in Boduppal," he added.

Among those present on the occasion were ZP Chairman Sharath Chandra Reddy, TRS general secretary Sudhir Reddy, Boduppal Commissioner Shankar, Malkajgiri DCP Rakshitha Murthy, ACP Narsimha Reddy, CI Anji Reddy, local leaders.