Bhubaneswar, March 13: Police will consider a proposal to felicitate the ward that will report the least number of criminal incidents in a year.

Bhubaneswar (north) MLA Priyadarshi Mishra mooted the proposal during a police-public interface at Saliasahi, the biggest slum in the city, here today. This was the first public-police interface since Y.B. Khurania took charge as the new commissioner in January.

"This would encourage residents to assist the police to reduce crimes. The police have already introduced community policing and the initiative would definitely push locals to assist them in controlling criminal activities," Mishra said.

Khurania also welcomed the proposal mooted by the legislator. "This is a good proposal and we will consider it," said Khurania.

Since 2008, the cops have been felicitating residents who show courage in capturing criminals. The residents are honoured during the foundation day celebrations of the police commissionerate. The civic body has 67 wards in its jurisdiction.

Though the MLA's suggestion was well appreciated, the cops had to face the ire of the slum-dwellers who blamed the local police for doing nothing to stop illegal liquor sale and drug peddling in the area. They also demanded stringent police action against gambling activities in Saliasahi.

"The slum has a population of more than one lakh. We have been constantly demanding a new police outpost in the slum to curb crimes, but nothing has been done so far. In the absence of an outpost, we have to depend on Nayapalli police, who always reach late," said Sankar Sahu, a resident of the slum.

The slum has earned notoriety for being a safe haven for criminals over the past few years. The police said that last year the slum accounted for 40 per cent of the 456 cases registered with Nayapalli police. It is alleged that many criminals also use the slum as a safe hideout.

The major reason behind proliferation of crimes in the slum is a lack of tenant regulation. "Most of the time, criminals who are wanted for crimes in other areas take shelter in the slum as rent is cheap here. The narrow roads also make it difficult for us to pursue them as our PCR vans cannot enter," said a police officer.

On the other hand, Khurania said the police would ensure that no illegal activities took place. "We have asked the residents to give details of the tenants to the local police station. We would also intensify patrolling in the slum," said Khurania.