Misuse of Helpline or Police Helplessness? Incident of Lost Slippers Tests Police System

Amidst the recent government campaign promoting the 112 helpline number for public assistance, a peculiar incident has raised questions about the proper utilization of the police system. At Vidhana Soudha police station, distressed individuals have called the existing 112 helpline to report incidents of lost slippers, prompting concerns over the misuse of the police department or the potential helplessness of police personnel. One such incident occurred when an individual dialed the police control room helpline to report the loss of his slipper after attending a private function at Balambatta Hall, Carr Street. The police control room staff, uncertain about how to handle such a request, informed the nearby Hoysala personnel who were on patrol duty. Accompanying the complainant, the Hoysala staff conducted a search for the missing slipper at the location but were unable to locate it. They advised the individual to visit the police station and officially file a complaint regarding the lost slipper.
The incident has generated widespread criticism, with people questioning the appropriateness of using the police department in such trivial matters. This incident highlights the need for clarity on the purpose and appropriate usage of emergency helpline numbers to ensure that valuable police resources are effectively utilized for genuine emergencies and more significant public safety concerns.