Mysuru: With an increase in people smoking tobacco products near tea shops, in public places and around Government Offices, as well as incidents of garbage being set on fire and groups causing nuisance by speaking loudly and using foul language, the Police Department has orally instructed Constables to capture photos or videos of such activities on their mobile phones while on duty.

After clicking videos and photos, the Constables have been asked to and forward them to their jurisdictional Inspectors, so that penalties can be imposed on violators.

Following these oral instructions, a Constable attached to Lakshmipuram Police Station was seen photographing a garbage heap containing cigarette butts and plastic waste near the old Deputy Commissioner’s Office and sending the images to his superior officer.  When approached by a Star of Mysore reporter, the Constable confirmed that such an oral order has been issued to all city Police Stations.

Meanwhile, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) attached to Devaraja Traffic Police Station took action against two-wheelers parked haphazardly in front of tea shops near the old Deputy Commissioner Office and issued warnings to the owners.

The ASI stated that instructions have been given to click photos of people smoking in front of tea shops, those obstructing pedestrian movement, footpath encroachments and garbage heaps in and around prominent areas, tourist spots, and Government Office premises. These photos are to be sent to officers for further action, he added.