Police-public outreach initiatives in Srinagar have witnessed a notable boost under the leadership of SSP Dr. G.V. Sandeep Chakravarthy, whose emphasis on community policing has redefined engagement and trust-building on the ground.
Bilal Bhat
Srinagar May 2025: In the calm lanes of Zakoora, not far from the revered Hazratbal shrine, a powerful display of community policing unfolded as District Police Srinagar organized a free medical camp at the Community Centre Batapora. Held under the CAP 2024–25 public outreach initiative, the event reflected a growing emphasis on public welfare under the leadership of SSP Srinagar, Dr. G.V. Sandeep Chakravarthy, whose vision of empathetic policing is steadily reshaping law enforcement’s relationship with the people.
The camp saw the active participation of over 250 residents, many of whom came from remote and underserved areas across Srinagar. The initiative was spearheaded by SP Hazratbal Hilal Khaliq Bhat, SDPO Zakoora Ashiq Hussain, and SHO Zakoora Khursheed Ahmad, who together ensured that each visitor was treated not just as a case number, but as a member of a shared community.
Moving through the crowd with a sense of personal commitment, SHO Khursheed Ahmad ensured smooth coordination between the health teams and the people waiting in long queues. “We screened almost 250 patients today,” he said. “There is a real need for more such programs—and especially for pediatricians. We plan to hold more of these camps in other low-access areas. Today, people from Zakoora’s far-flung belts participated—and that speaks volumes.”
Middle School Batapora, located nearby, witnessed the arrival of dozens of children suffering from pollen-induced respiratory issues and seasonal infections. Officers made special arrangements to prioritize their care, while hygiene kits were distributed to students to promote preventive health practices.
At the heart of the event was SP Hazratbal Hilal Khaliq Bhat, who engaged with patients and doctors alike, carefully reviewing the flow of essential medicines. “This isn’t just a medical drive—it’s a bridge of trust,” he said. “When people see their police standing with them in health and hardship, fear gives way to faith.”
The presence of SDPO Ashiq Hussain was also key to the effort’s success. “Public service is no longer just about FIRs and patrols,” he said. “It’s about healing wounds—sometimes the ones we cannot see.”
Among the beneficiaries was Amina Begum, a widow from Batapora, who had come with her grandchild. “I couldn’t afford the check-ups in a private clinic. Today, the police gave us medicine, respect, and hope,” she said tearfully.
The event also reflected the broader administrative shift in Srinagar’s police functioning. Under SSP Dr. G.V. Sandeep Chakravarthy, community-oriented outreach programs like these have gained momentum. His emphasis on empathy-driven policing has translated into initiatives that prioritize grassroots welfare, especially for marginalized sections of society.
As dusk settled over the shrine-dotted skyline, the officers remained at the camp’s gates, bidding farewell to the last of the attendees. “This is just the beginning,” SP Bhat said. “When law enforcement and the people stand together, even the deepest divides begin to heal.”
In a region often burdened by conflict, the Zakoora medical camp stood as a rare moment of unity—a silent but significant testament to what trust, service, and compassion in uniform
