Matunga to soon be under CCTV cover to curb crimes

With 64 closed-circuit television cameras, and 90 more likely to be installed soon, many places in Matunga will be under electronic surveillance soon.

With 64 closed-circuit television cameras, and 90 more likely to be installed soon, many places in Matunga will be under electronic surveillance soon.

The second leg of the project was inaugurated this Republic Day. “The initiative began last year on Republic Day, when we put in place 24 cameras. Another 16 cameras were installed through the year and 24 new ones were made operational this Republic Day,” said Raghvendra Thakur, senior police inspector, Matunga police station. MLA Kalidas Kolambkar said 90 more CCTV cameras will be installed.

The initiative has gathered momentum as the Matunga citizen’s forum is taking an active part in it, along with the police. “There are temples, marriage halls and other vital structures in the region. It is essential to bring it under CCTV cover,” said Samir Jani, managing director, Shivam Autozone, who is among those supporting the initiative.

The CCTV cameras, which can record footage for up to a month and cover areas such as the Matunga and Dadar railway stations. Areas such as Dadar TT, RAK Marg and Five Gardens will also be brought under surveillance.

Acording to the Mumbai police, Matunga, along with Sion and RAK Marg – the three police areas next to each other – have reported the highest chain snatching incidents in the Central region after Mahim. In 2014, 37 chain snatching cases were reported in Mahim, 34 in Sion, 29 in Matunga and 27 at RAK Marg. These areas also recorded the most number of thefts in the Central region.