‘On duty from 5 pm to 5 am’
“We made sure that there were no accidents and everyone reached home safely. Flyovers were closed and people driving towards the airport were sent only after their tickets were checked. We also ensured that those caught for drunken driving reached home safely — they either waited till they were sober or found an alternate way to reach home. A lot of awareness was spread about driving under influence; so the casualties were comparatively less,” says J. Ramesh Kumar, inspector, Gachibowli, who was on duty from 5 pm till 5 am.
“Many stopped by to wish us, which made us feel good. Some even cut cakes with us. Such instances are heart-warming. We leave our family on this day to ensure that other families are safe,” he adds.
‘A new year with orphans’
“The roads were not as crowded when compared to last year. Many policemen, including me, were on duty till 4.30 am, and I was back to work by 9.30 am,” says Tafseer Iqubal, DCP, L.B. Nagar.
He adds, “Many people stopped by and wished us a happy New Year. During a break, I, along with the ACP of my department and a few local inspectors, went to an orphanage and cut a cake with the children there. We didn’t want them to celebrate the new year alone and wanted them to treat us like family.”
‘No complaints’
R. Kalinga Rao, inspector, Madhapur, says that the presence of cops on the road made sure that there were fewer accidents. “There were no cases of accidents and cases of drunken driving, too, were less. When people see cops on the road, they don’t break any rule.”
Just like every year, Kalinga Rao was working till early in the morning this year too, celebrating New Year away from home. “This is my work and I have no complaints. My family makes their own plans and never complains that I am not around.”
