Cauvery row: Social media-savvy Bengaluru cops pre-empt unrest, win hearts

In the wake of the ongoing Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, tech hub Bengaluru has been facing days of fear and tension.

Once again, after Tuesday's Supreme Court directive to Karnataka to release 6,000 cusecs of water a day to Tamil Nadu from September 21 to 27, the city is on tenterhooks.

But the men in khaki are not only diligently manning the roads and important government and commercial establishments, they have also turned to social media in a big way to scorch rumours as well as address citizens' concerns, constantly updating the city about the law and order situation. It's new for the police as well as for the city, but going by public reaction, the cops are already doing a stellar job.

A quick look at the Twitter handle of Bengaluru City Police (@BlrCityPolice) gives us an idea how the cops are making the best use of social media to maintain law and order in the city in these tense times.

On Tuesday morning, the police tweeted that there was no bandh in the city and residents should rely only on authentic information to end the spread of any rumours.

"#NoBandh ; Online miscreants will try to exploit such a time. Do not pay heed to rumours. Wait for authentic updates from @BlrCityPolice," tweeted Bengaluru City Police (@BlrCityPolice).

In a city, where a majority of the population is connected to the internet, news and updates from the police help to maintain normal flow of life.

The cops inform that as a preventive measure Section 144 prohibitory orders will remain in force in the city till September 25.

"As a preventive measure Section 144 will continue till Sep 25 In Bengaluru. Strong bandobust will continue.. #NoNeedToPanic," tweeted Bengaluru City Police (@BlrCityPolice).

The short and quick updates by the tech-savvy cops are winning applaud from the citizens, who are upset at the turn of events, both at the court judgements that Karnataka has to live with as well as the resulting violence and arson by miscreants.

"@BlrCityPolice Just to express my gratitude on the exemplary work you are doing. Your frequent updates on Twitter reassure us all. Thanks!," tweeted RL Ramakrishnan (@rlramakrishnan), a city resident.

Bengalureans can reach the city police on twitter @BlrCityPolice @blrcitytraffic and @CPBlr ,Facebook on https://www.facebook.com/blrcitypolice/ and WhatsAPP on 9480801000 for any information.

OneIndia News