The Udupi Police have rolled out the Mane Manege Police initiative, designed to strengthen community ties and address citizens’ concerns directly at their doorsteps.
The campaign was formally inaugurated on Friday by Principal District and Sessions Judge Kiran Siddappa Gangannavar, who praised the effort to extend policing services into every household. Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, Additional SPs Sudhakar S Naik and Parameshwar Hegde, and other senior officers attended the launch.
Implemented under a 27-point government directive, the programme began simultaneously across Udupi Town, Manipal, Brahmavar, and Kota police station limits. Teams comprising inspectors, sub-inspectors, and male and female staff are visiting homes to raise awareness about cybercrime, drug abuse, juvenile offences, the Pocso Act, theft, chain snatching, and traffic safety.
Superintendent Shankar said the teams are systematically collecting residents’ names, phone numbers, complaints, and suggestions for follow-up. On day one, officers visited 128 households across the four jurisdictions.
The initiative is expected to take about three to four months to cover the entire district. Many residents welcomed the effort, saying it would bridge the long-standing gap between citizens and law enforcement.
During apartment visits, residents voiced concern about the growing drug menace affecting youth. Officials reminded the public to stay vigilant against cyber fraud, noting that Udupi recorded 85 cybercrime cases last year, resulting in losses exceeding ₹4 crore.