By Anushree Mukherjee
Kissa Khaki Ka, the official podcast series by Delhi Police, aired its 35th episode on 28th August 2022 titled ‘Saanson ke Saudagar’. It discussed the various challenges faced by police officers during the second wave of the pandemic in the national capital.
While police had to combat health and hygiene issues being faced by the citizens during Covid-19, the additional burden came in the form of fraudsters who started black marketing oxygen cylinders and life-saving medicines. Some went to the extent of selling fake and adulterated medicines. The demand for these products had risen steeply due to the increase in the number of COVID-19 patients, and many sought to capitalize on this vulnerable situation by hoarding oxygen cylinders and selling them for a heavy profit margin.
The podcast revealed that the Delhi Police launched Operation Cyber Prahaar to counter this menace and protect the citizens. It set-up a COVID Helpline Number and received over 910 calls reporting such incidents of fraud from all over the city. It listed over 595 FIRs, arrested 229 culprits and recovered a massive amount of Rs. 1.1 crore from them. It also confiscated 95 devices, blocked 583 bank accounts that were involved in suspicious transactions, and compiled a list of 1158 mobile numbers that were blocked by the DTO for engaging in any scam or misinformation related to COVID-19.
Delhi Police made an indelible mark in the arena of audio-digital storytelling through its one-of-a-kind podcast – Kissa Khaki Ka. This is the first time in India that a police department has launched their own podcast series. The podcast started in January 2022 and has completed 35 episodes so far. The episodes are conceptualized, composed, and narrated by Dr. Vartika Nanda, a prominent media educator and prison reformer. Dr. Vartika Nanda is widely known for her Tinka Tinka Jail Reforms initiatives. In the capacity of official story teller of Delhi Police, she is bringing in stories of humanity and courage. She heads the Department of Journalism in Lady Shri Ram College of Delhi University.
Kissa Khaki Ka episodes are released every Sunday at 2 pm on all the social media handles of Delhi Police – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. From featuring Sub-Inspector Sonu and his initiative of starting libraries in and around the villages of Delhi and story of Kiran Sethi, helping sex workers in GB Road, Kissa Khaki Ka has highlighted the role played by the police personnel in safeguarding the city. In its many episodic features, the podcast has introduced the listener to a different facet of the police unit, from stories of crime to humanitarian initiatives. The podcast has successfully established a two-way communication and a deeper sense of understanding between the people of Delhi and police officials.
Link: Kissa Khaki Ka: Saanson ke Saudagar Delhi Police: Vartika Nanda
https://youtu.be/71Du6ybXsZQ