Dedicated Helpline 14449 to be launched for complaints against police: Gujarat govt tells HC

Ahmedabad: The state government, in an affidavit submitted to the Gujarat High Court today, stated that it is starting a helpline number, 14449, for registering complaints against the police. This affidavit was presented during the Suo Moto hearing of a case involving police harassment of a couple returning from the airport near Ognaj in Ahmedabad last year.

The case is being heard by the bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha Mayee, and the Advocate General, Kamal Trivedi, mentioned that the helpline would be activated within the next 15 days, accompanied by various campaigns for public awareness.

The number, provided by the central government for this purpose, will operate 24×7. Additionally, existing helplines, such as the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s 1064 and women’s helpline 1091, are available in the state. In response to the court’s suggestion, the state expressed willingness to include important emergency national helpline numbers. Further hearing on this matter is scheduled for February 16.

Banners displaying the number are being placed at key locations in the city, including police stations, government offices, traffic points, toll plazas, etc.

In a previous hearing, it was informed that complaints against the police could be reported on the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s number 1064, which directly reaches the committee. The court emphasized using helpline numbers 100, 112, and 1064 to complain against government employees involved in illegal activities. Concerns were raised about the ambiguity in advertising the helpline as ‘police help/complaint.’ The court suggested maintaining a dedicated helpline specifically for complaints against the police, a suggestion the government agreed to implement. The court insisted on creating a separate cell for handling such complaints.

The government affirmed the establishment of a dedicated control room with a shift in charge for complaints against the police. Complaints would be directed to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), ensuring action within 24 hours. The government assured that if no extension was given to the existing 100 helpline number, a new number would be announced. Monthly reviews of complaints were also promised.

The case in question involved an incident on August 25, where Milan Kela, returning to Ahmedabad airport with his family from Thailand, faced harassment from the police. His cab was stopped by the police near the Nineteenth Circle, and he was threatened with prosecution and a three-year sentence. Subsequently, he was detained, and the police demanded Rs 2 lakh. When this information reached the Commissioner of Police (CP), all three involved officers, including Mukesh, Ashok, and TRB constable Vishal from the ‘A’ division traffic-police station, were arrested. A formal complaint was filed at the Sola High Court Police Station. DeshGujarat