New Town shootout effect: Bengal police to strengthen source network for better vigilance

Unemployed youths and civic volunteers will be included in the source network of West Bengal police. They will inform the police regarding the uncanny behaviour of people in residential complexes, said sources.

Kolkata:West Bengal police have decided to ramp up source network inside residential complexes in satellite township in the aftermath of the New Town shootout case, according to sources. A shootout was reported earlier at a residential complex in New Town, killing two Punjab gangsters who allegedly had links with an unidentified woman involved in the supply of dancers to many bars in Kolkata and its suburbs.

“Maintaining law and order in a locality is not enough. The cops need to have detailed information on who is renting accommodations in a locality. So a source network is necessary for information about doubtful newcomers in a locality,” a state police officer said. Source network will include specially trained unemployed youths and civic volunteers. The network will also comprise bar-dancers and professional escorts, according to sources.

”They don't have to investigate like us or real-life detectives. They will just have to keep their eyes and ears open and alert us of any uncanny behaviour on part of anyone in the locality. Their reports might help in crime prevention,” a state police official said.

Police sources said law enforcement agencies are finding it hard to track the whereabouts and hideouts of high profile gangsters and criminals. Lack of awareness and willingness among apartment owners to disclose information about their tenants hinder the police investigation.

The idea of developing a local level spy network among the fit and sharp unemployed youths has been floated, they said.