KOCHI: City border sealing and night patrolling that police claim to have helped in bringing down the crime rate doesn’t seem to have augured well with the residents and professionals working in Kochi.While cops say they are inquiring only about the identity of those travelling in the city at night, many professionals say they are being asked intrusive questions.Residents say police personnel even note down their phone numbers while some say they repeatedly face questions on their relationship with the co-passenger. “I have faced police multiple times when I take my sister home from Infopark. The questions may be asked with good intentions, however, it is uncomfortable when you have to convince them that I am travelling with my sister,” said Amal Xavier, who works at Kakkanad.Commuters say sometime they face abusive questions. “Where exactly are you coming from? What are you doing in this odd hour? These are frequent questions we face; no matter what, cops need to tone down their attitude especially since what they are doing is a service,” said Anjaly Pai, another city resident.Ernakulam North circle inspector K J Peter said the commuters need to consider the responsibility of police as well.“When a policeman is posted on the road at night, he is there to ensure the safety of city’s residents. However, if people are facing intrusive or offensive questions from police, they should file a complaint with senior officers; immediate action would be taken,” the circle inspector said.He added that late night hours are the time when several crimes such as drug peddling and immoral trafficking happens, hence, the patrolling helps in catching criminals as well. “At the end of the day, the aim of the police is to help citizens. Rather than generalizing, commuters should cooperate with police personnel doing their job for the safety of citizens,” he said.

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