Latehar SP uses Baariyatu football tournament to rebuild public trust in police
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Daltonganj, October 13: In an outreach effort to strengthen police-public relations, Latehar Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav attended…
Latehar SP Kumar Gaurav performs the ceremonial opening kick at the football tournament final at Shibla ground in Baariyatu on Monday.
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, October 13: In an outreach effort to strengthen police-public relations, Latehar Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav attended the final of a football tournament at Shibla ground in Baariyatu on Monday, drawing a large crowd of villagers, including women.
The tournament came days after Baariyatu made headlines over allegations of police excesses against a tribal woman, following which officer-in-charge Prabhat Kumar Das and constable Manish Kumar Ram were suspended and departmental proceedings initiated against them.
Against this backdrop, the football final offered an opportunity for the police to reconnect with local residents. Villagers turned up in large numbers and enthusiastically watched the match, with SP Kumar Gaurav present at the venue.
Teams from Chatra and Ramgarh Face Off
A team from Chatra district won the tournament, while a team from Ramgarh district finished as the runner-up. Despite neither finalist being a local team, spectators displayed considerable enthusiasm and cheered both sides through an exciting contest.
Kumar Gaurav attended the final as the chief guest and performed the ceremonial opening kick. Several police officers were also present.
The strong public turnout highlighted the potential of sporting events to bring police personnel and residents together in a shared community setting.
Football as a Police-Public Outreach Tool
Sources said police in the Palamu range provide logistical support for organising football tournaments as a means of connecting with people across economic and social backgrounds.
Such initiatives offer an opportunity for interaction beyond routine policing and can help strengthen community engagement.
The Baariyatu tournament was held at a time when the local police faced public scrutiny over the alleged incident involving the tribal woman. The event brought residents together on the football ground, and the final drew a large crowd.
