Dhanbad Police Parade 700 History-Sheeters, Administer Oath to Shun Crime

Dhanbad (IANS): In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Jharkhand, the Dhanbad Police paraded around 700 history-sheeters and administered an oath to them to stay away from unlawful activities. The unique drive aims to curb local crime while helping individuals with criminal records return to the mainstream.

Police officials claimed this marks the state’s first district-level exercise of its kind.

The police summoned individuals with criminal pasts from various police station areas to the district police lines. There, officers verified their identities, took photographs, and cross-checked their official criminal records.

Addressing the gathering, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prabhat Kumar, City SP Ritwik Srivastava, and Rural SP S. Mohammad Yaqub emphasized that the initiative does not intend to humiliate anyone. Instead, it offers a genuine opportunity for reform and rehabilitation.

“We are giving people with criminal histories a chance to return to the social mainstream and lead normal lives,” the SSP said. He assured them of police support if they abandoned criminal activities, but warned that repeat offenses would invite strict legal action.

The SSP revealed that the district police maintain records of more than 3,000 such individuals. While authorities called 700 people in this first phase, they will summon the remaining individuals in a phased manner.

Furthermore, Kumar stated that individuals who have stayed away from criminal activities for a long period can approach their respective police station in-charges to apply for a conduct verification. Following an inquiry, the police may consider removing their names from the history-sheeter list in accordance with the rules.

However, Kumar made it clear that the police will continue to monitor the activities of all identified individuals. He cautioned that anyone re-engaging in crime would face stringent legal consequences.

The SSP also pointed out that a criminal record adversely affects crucial processes, such as obtaining character certificates, passports, and government employment.

Before concluding the parade, police officials appealed to the attendees to share information about any criminal activities occurring in their respective localities.

The Dhanbad police have described the campaign as a significant milestone toward both proactive crime prevention and reform-oriented policing.