For those in distress, using Jharkhand police’s unified emergency helpline number 112 would become easier with QR code being integrated into the service.

Acting on the instruction of Jharkhand director-general of police (DGP) Anurag Gupta, the QR code was launched in Ranchi on Wednesday. Ranchi DIG Anoop Birtharay and other senior police officers of the Ranchi district pasted the QR code on public vehicles and at other “vulnerable points”.

“By just scanning the QR code on their mobile phones, women and other residents can contact police during emergencies and lodge complaints without dialling the number. On the other hand, there would be psychological pressure on would-be offenders as the code would be pasted at several points across the city,” said Gupta.

“We have started the project on a pilot basis in the capital and gradually, it will be replicated in the remaining (23 districts) of the state. We want to make Jharkhand safe for women,” said Gupta.

The emergency number 112 was launched at the directive of the Union home ministry to prevent crimes, especially against women and children. This was also aimed at ending confusion among distress callers who at times dial 100 which is for fire or medical emergencies.

The police said all autorickshaws, e-rickshaws and buses of the Ranchi Municipal Corporation would have to mandatorily display the QR code. “The code will also be displayed at schools, malls, banks and ATMs so that anybody in distress can lodge the complaint. The police will immediately contact the caller,” said Ranchi traffic SP
Kailash Karmali.