Neighbours in uniform: police in north of Hyderabad reach out to senior citizens living alone

A quiet knock on the door from the officers in khaki has become a reassuring sound for many elderly residents living alone in north of Hyderabad, a densely residential part of the city. Police teams are regularly visiting their homes to check on their wellbeing, help with basic concerns and close the distance between senior citizens and the local police.

The initiative, namedVruddhulu Samrakshana, has been launched by Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), S. Rashmi Perumal to reach residents who are often on their own and at heightened risk of cyber fraud, exploitation by domestic workers and social withdrawal. Since January this year, officers have so far visited around 750 people, placing their sector Sub Inspector’s number handy in their homes and checking whether they have someone to contact in an emergency.

The drive, now expanded fully across the zone, and is now active across all 11 police stations, including Begumpet, Bowenpally, Trimulgherry, Karkhana, Marredpally, Ramgopalpet and Bolarum.

The residents have expressed their happiness with the initiative, claiming how this had made them feel more aware of the circumstances and more safer at their homes.

An elderly couple visited by police officers as a part of the drive.
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Special Arrangement

DCP Rashmi Perumal said that the zone has a considerable number of elderly residents whose children are settled abroad. “Many couples live on their own, and in several cases individuals have been left entirely by themselves. During each visit, officers verify domestic help, warn residents about common online scams and find out whether they are struggling with essentials such as reaching the bank or hospital. In a number of homes, officers discovered residents who had no social network at all and were unsure where to seek help,” explained the officer.

After the first meeting, beat constables continue visiting every few days or fortnight, when they cross that stretch. “Officers are encouraged to build a relationship, especially in cases where children seldom return from abroad, leaving the parent entirely on their own. Police are also asking local welfare associations to include these residents in community activities so they do not remain isolated,” added the officer.

An officer from the North Zone noting down points from one of the senior citizens during his visit.
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Special Arrangement

Most police stations have visited between 60 and 70 homes so far. The officer said the department is open to suggestions from the public on improving the programme further, adding that constables have been sensitised in soft skills to make the visits more comfortable for the elderly.