KLE Technological Law of Crimes - |: University KleTecH KLE Law College Bengaluru IPC TEAM II POLICE STATION VISIT REPORT OF SUDDGUNTEPALYA POLICE STATION PORE) ene e eC aOR Bc cure ey ey Submitted By Name: Manjunath D Nadager Class: LL.B. | Year Section B SRN Number: 03FL23BLL067ACKNOWLEDGMENT |, Manjunath D Nadager, currently enrolled as a student in LLB 'B; 1st Semester, express my heartfelt appreciation to our course coordinator and esteemed Head of the Department, Mr} Sharmila H S, along with our resourceful Law of Crimes faculty, Prof. Siddhi Suman. Their efforts in organizing our visit to the local police station have significantly enriched our understanding of the Indian Penal Code and its real-world application. | extend my gratitude to the Police Inspector and Station House Officer (SHO), Mr. Maruthi Nayak, as well as the Police Sub-Inspector Mr. Raghavendra, both of the Suddaguntepalya Police Station in Bengaluru. Their willingness to share their valuable time and insights has been instrumental in providing us with a practical perspective on the functioning of the Polict system. This comprehensive report is the culmination of the unwavering support and encouragement have received from various sources. | am sincerely thankful for the valuable opportunities an profound insights gained during our visit to the police station. This experience has not onl broadened my understanding of the subject matter but has also deepened my appreciation fpr the practical aspects of the Indian Police system. Yours sincerely, Manjunath D Nadager 1[Pag1 DETAILS OF THE VISIT TO THE POLICE STATION My team and | visited the police station at 2 pm on a busy Monday 27" November 2023 at ‘Suddaguntepalya police station (herein referred to as the Police station). The visit to the polic station aims to provide students with practical insights into the workings and application of th] Indian Penal Code (IPC) in real-life cases. The goal is to cultivate an understanding among the} students regarding the significance of IPC in addressing crimes in Bangalore and to dispel an apprehensions or fears they may have towards law enforcement authorities, given their aspirin roles as lawyers. The objective is for students to recognize how socio-economic backgroun influence criminal activities and to comprehend the geographical distribution of crime in different zones of Bangalore city. The police station operates under the supervision of DCP South Bangalore and ACP Mico Layout. Mico Layout police station is situated to its right, while Adugodi police station is located to its left. As of 30th November 2023, the police station has 2703 open cases in th] Metropolitan Magistrate Court and 379 cases in the High Court of Karnataka. The 6th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court has jurisdiction over IPC matters related to the police station. Additionally, individual matters fall under the purview of the 13th ACMM, while company matters are handled by the 25th ACMM respectively. The police station is supervised by ACP Sudheer M Hegde of Mico Layout police station and headed by the Police Inspector and Station House Officer (SHO), Mr. Maruthi Nayak, and 6 Police sub-inspectors to assist him in maintaining law and order. The team includes 1 Assistant sub-inspectors, 28 Head constables, and 55 Police constables on duty. While th Inspector is on call 24/7 365 days a year, other officers work 12-hour shifts from 08:30 AM to 08:30 PM. The station is equipped with 2 patrolling vehicles named Hoysala. By dialing 112 from any location within the jurisdiction, Hoysala can arrive within 5 minutes. During the night time, Hoysala, driven by a police constable or a head constable and a PSI (Police Sub-Inspector) serving as the designated head patrolling officer, is strategically stationed at crim] hotspots to prevent criminal activities The jurisdiction of Suddaguntepalya police station covers two distinct areas that are marked different from each other. One is the Bhovi colony, characterized as a slum area predominant! inhabited by the economically disadvantaged class. On the other hand, there is the| cosmopolitan Koramangala, an upscale area featuring trendy restaurants, rooftop bars, an] malls. It's noteworthy that the police station addresses the concerns of two contrasting segme| of society, Police Sub-Inspector Mr. Raghavendra B.R. characterizes Koramangala as a challenging area, particularly on weekends. During this time, he notes that IT employees, often] frustrated, engage in heavy drinking and may end up on the streets until 3 AM. Sir expresses concer not about these individuals causing a disturbance but about their vulnerability t potential crimes. In 1938, Merton, Rosenfeld, and Messner introduced two criminology theories: the Anomie Theory and the Strain Theory, which represent opposite ends of a spectrum. Let's start with the Anomie Theory. This theory is particularly relevant to countries with thriving economies. It posits that crime occurs because these countries prioritize the economy over other ideal Research supports this, indicating lower crime rates in communities that emphasize values su as family, education, and religion. According to the Anomie Theory, offenders are motivated by monetary success and cultural goals. An illustrative example is the movie "Catch Me If You Can! On the other hand, the Strain Theory, proposed by Merton, Rosenfeld, and Messner as their second theory, is essentially the opposite of the Anomie Theory. It suggests that individual commit crimes because they cannot achieve their goals. Instead of pursuing cultural goals a monetary success, those who adhere to the Strain Theory reject these ideals and adopt nef goals attainable through illegitimate means. Unlike the Anomie Theory, where the focus is on looking successful and wealthy, the Strain Theory revolves around meeting basic goals, sucl * Wickert, C. (2022, April 12). Anomie theory (Merton) - SozTheo. SozTheo. https://soztheo.de/theories-of- crime/anomie-strain-theories/anomie-theory-merton/?lang=en. BI Pageas providing for one's family. Those who fall into the Strain Theory often commit crimes like theft, drug selling, and prostitution. In this perspective, committing a crime may be seen as thi only viable option for survival. A fitting example of the Strain Theory can be observed in the movie “Aladdin,” where the protagonist turns to crime to meet essential goals as the story| unfolds. It's interesting to apply the Anomie Theory and the Strain Theory to the crimes observed within the police station jurisdiction. The prevalent crimes such as pickpocketing, mobile snatching house theft (s.380), and two-wheeler theft (s.379) appear to align with aspects of both theorie| The focus on pickpocketing and mobile snatching, in particular, reflects the Strain Theory's proposition that crimes are committed to meet basic needs. My observation is that most sheeters rowdies are Muslim individuals from slum dwellings further supports this notion. According to the Strain Theory, individuals in challenging socio-economic situations may turn to crime as a means of fulfilling essential needs that the state is perceived to be falling short providing. The insight provided by Police Sub-Inspector Raghavendra sir supports this perspective, Criminals, after snatching or stealing a mobile phone, sell it for a fraction of its value, claiming an urgent need for money for their sick family members. This illustrates the discrepancy between the perceived urgency and the actual amount they receive, indicating a discrepancy consistent with the Strain Theory. It suggests that, despite deceptive practices, the mone! sought by these criminals serves to address their fundamental needs. These observatio contribute to a nuanced understanding of the motives behind certain crimes within th jurisdiction, aligning with the theoretical frameworks. Another type of crime that worried me is Eve teasing and flashing. The police station is betwee! Christ University and the IT hub, SG Palya is a home away from home for Christ University students and IT professionals. Many a time, especially during the night hours when wome! walk alone on the road while talking on their mobile or coming back to their place after movies| or dinner, they are subjected to eve-teasing and flashing. | believe this is due to the 51% literacy rate of the Suddaguntepalya locality. To my astonishment, the Police officer blamed the wome 4| Pagerather than the offenders. Addressing such issues requires a comprehensive approach involvi not only law enforcement but also community awareness programs, education initiatives, an efforts to change societal attitudes toward women's safety. The responsibility to prevent an| respond to these crimes should not fall on the victims but rather on the collective efforts of th community and law enforcement to create a safer and more respectful environment fo everyone, When | enquired about the Body camera, a positive response regarding the effectiveness o body cameras is noteworthy. The acknowledgment that social media can influence publi perception and potentially portray a police officer as an aggressor underscores the importan: of having recorded evidence to counter false accusations. It serves as a valuable tool i maintaining transparency and accountability. However, the practical challenges mentioned by Police Sub-Inspector Raghavendra sir regarding wearing body cameras throughout the entir shift are valid. Wearing body cameras constantly can be physically demanding and may presen] logistical challenges for law enforcement officers. It's essential to consider the comfort an practicality of implementing such technologies in day-to-day policing activities. As technology evolves, there may be opportunities to address these challenges and enhance tl usability of body cameras. Striking a balance between the benefits of accountability and th practicality of implementation is crucial for the successful integration of such tools into la enforcement practices. It's an ongoing conversation that involves adapting technology to me the needs of both law enforcement officers and the community they serve. S|PagPublic perception of police stations often leans towards skepticism and dissatisfaction, wit numerous reviews highlighting concerns about corruption within these institutions. The prevailing narrative suggests that some law enforcement officers engage in corrupt practice] seeking monetary gains even for the basic tasks they are obligated to perform. It is essential acknowledge the multifaceted reasons that contribute to this issue, delving into the system challenges that some members of the police force face. While acknowledging instances corruption, it is crucial to recognize that the majority of police officers are diligent and hard- working individuals committed to ensuring the safety and security of the city's residents. Thes| officers often carry out their duties with dedication and integrity, striving to maintain law and order in the community. Understanding the factors that may lead to corruption within the police force involves considering systemic issues such as low salaries, inadequate resources, and challengi working conditions. These challenges may create an environment where some officers fe compelled to seek additional financial support through less-than-ethical means. Despite the: challenges, it is important to appreciate the positive efforts made by many police officials i upholding the law and ensuring public safety. Social media platforms have played a crucial role in shedding light on the commendable work carried out by the police force. Highlighting instances of officers going above and beyond their duty to keep commuters safe on the roa fosters a more balanced perspective, showcasing the positive contributions of law enforcem to the community. Ultimately, addressing the challenges within the police force requires a comprehensive| approach that involves addressing systemic issues, improving working conditions, an implementing effective oversight mechanisms. Recognizing and appreciating the dedication hard-working police officers can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of law enforcement, encouraging positive dialogue and collaboration between the public and th police to enhance overall community safety,