E-Paper
Chhattisgarh police launch smartphone app for anti-Maoist intel
To boost information gathering network as part of the anti-Maoist operation, police in Chhattisgarh utilise smartphones via a specifically designed app for civilians who can pass on crucial inputs.
Police in Chhattisgarh, the state worst hit by Maoist violence, have launched a smartphone app on which people can secretly pass on crucial information about insurgents.
'Chhattisgarh Police’ – the specially-designed app launched to mark Digital India week, can be downloaded from Google Play store and is also available on android platforms.
The app enables people in Maoist-hit areas to share with the police videos, audios and other information on Maoists without revealing their identity.
After downloading the app, users have to enter their mobile number and identity for registration.
“But even that information is not mandatory. We would only like to know who is sharing the inputs and the police will ensure the identity is strictly kept confidential”, the ADG (anti-Maoist operation) RK Vij told HT.
Police believe the app will have an obvious edge over human intelligence gathered through a network of trusted ground-level informers.
It would also bring on board those who are hesitant to visit a police station and volunteer information out of fear of compromising their identity.The inputs will be accessed only by top officials engaged in anti-Maoist operations and intelligence gathering.
The anti-Maoist app is designed by state-owned Chhattisgarh Infotech & Biotech Promotion Society ( CHIPS). An additional 146 mobile towers will start working in Chhattisgarh's red zone from September this year.
“With improved connectivity, the utility of the app will obviously get enhanced,” Vij said.
Information can be shared from any part of the state even though rebels have their presence only in 16 out of the 27 districts.
