New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh police chief Vijay Kumar has asked his force to follow the Hindu calendar or “panchang” for better policing.
The director general of police (DGP) said in a circular that crimes increased in a week leading to the new moon or amavasya, and in the week following it.
The 14 August circular read: “On analysing the incidents that happened in all the districts… of the state at the headquarters level, it was found that more incidents happen at night one week before and one week after the new moon date of the Hindu calendar. This analysis should be done every month at the level of senior police officers.” A copy of the “panchang” was attached to the circular.
The circular said the new moon would occur on 16 August, 14 September and 14 October, and that officers should remain alert a week before and after it.
It said crimes during this period should be mapped, hotspots identified and patrolling increased, the circular said.
It further read: “Effective crime prevention is one of the top priorities of the police. Through strong policing, an environment of security has to be established among the common citizens in the state. For this, it is necessary that night patrolling should be done more and more effectively, so that the general public can have a sense of confidence in their security.”
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