Koderma superintendent of police Ehtesham Waquarib utilised social media platforms to get books through crowdsourcing for a book bank situated in Koderma police station campus. Getting books from different parts of the country, Waquarib made the library functional on Monday claiming that a good library or book bank can help in minimising the rate of crimes.

This library was started by the then Koderma SP, Shivani Tiwary in 2018 but soon it became non-functional. After knowing about it, Waquarib requested people to send him books for this library. He used social media platforms for this purpose and got a good response.

Talking to The Telegraph Online on Monday, Waquarib said he got co-operation from people in different parts of the country who sent books for this library. “I have utilised crowdsourcing to strengthen the book bank,” he informed. He said students of standard-VI and above can take advantage of this library by going through books available here. “We have competitive books as well,” he added.

Waquarib has deployed policemen for the smooth functioning of this book bank. From March to October, the book bank will be functional from 10 am to 7 pm. From November to February, timing will be 11 am to 6 pm. “Proper sitting arrangements are also done at this book bank,” added Waquarib.

According to him, the main objective behind the opening of this library is to help the needy and poor students who failed to purchase the required books. He said books are the best friend of a man and it can transform anyone's life. “I strongly feel that a library can help in reducing crime,” added he.

Waquarib, before becoming an IPS officer, was a doctor. He is joining health camps in the remote naxal areas of Koderma checking patients, prescribing medicines as well. He said as a police officer his priority is to maintain law and order. “But for my own satisfaction, I am checking patients as well whenever I’m getting the opportunity,” said Waquarib, an MBBS and MD degree holder from Aligarh medical college.

Superintendent of police Ehtesham Waquarib (left) inspects the book bank in Koderma on Monday. Picture by Vishvendu Jaipuriar