Cops start crackdown as Rs 100 for SMS info clicks

Citizens were requested not to make phone calls and send the information only through SMS as it was not possible to receive all phone calls.

Karnik said that the response was good. “On Thursday,I received several SMS about illegal liquor dens,matka centres and gambling spots. Accordingly,raids were conducted and we filed 42 cases against illegal liquor dens. Over 40 persons were arrested for operating these liquor dens. Also,we took action against 5 matka and gambling centres in the district in which 10 persons were arrested.”

Karnik said that the raids would continue. “I received 95 more SMS on Friday. The information has been passed on to the respective police stations. We will sort out the numbers from which we got correct information about illegal activities in our jurisdiction. The SMS-senders would be given the Rs 100,” he added.

Karnik said the scheme was more about involving people in tackling crime. “I am happy with the response we got,” he added.

The Pune rural police raided illegal liquor dens,matka and gambling centres in Baramati,Lonavala,Dehu Road,Haveli,Paud,Shikrapur and other places. Stock of illegally stored liquor and cash were also seized during the raids.

The recently formed anti-extortion cell of the rural police,meanwhile,has asked citizens to inform assistant police inspector Santosh Patil on 9823204090 about anyone trying to extort money,especially from businessmen in the district. The cell had recently arrested three persons from Sanaswadi in Shikrapur for allegedly demanding a share of profit from two businessmen who are into catering.