Bengaluru: In an effort to keep tab on drug abuse, ragging and other anti-social activities in higher educational institutions, the city police have launched WhatsApp groups to always be in the loop.
The decision was taken at a meeting involving representatives of 60 colleges, students and parents in East division of the city on Friday. P Harishekharan, Additional Commissioner of Police (East), who initiated the drive, said the jurisdictional police officer will be the administrator of the group that will include college staff, students, parents and members of the public.
The objective is to help save students from drug abuse and help the police crack the whip on the growing network of drug peddlers, a senior police officer said. The police are also roping in a resource person, who will be a staff member, to pass on information.
The initiative is primarily focused on the welfare of students, Harishekharan said, adding that the managements of the colleges, hostels and paying guest accommodations have been directed to install CCTV cameras. The initiative will also aid in identifying trouble-makers and mischievous students and give them the necessary counseling, he added.