Police in the Indian city of Allahabad have activated groups to exchange crime information on WhatsApp, ensuring peace during the upcoming Eid season, The Times of India reported.

WhatsApp had proved to be an important tool to connect cops with people and exchange input regarding crime. Majority of station officers have formed groups and are spreading information on trends of crime and gathering information on local criminal activities.

Senior cops admitted that they have also been interacting with citizens and members of different committees to receive feedbacks which would help them to maintain law and order in this festive season. “Apart from social sites like Facebook and Twitter, people are now connected through smartphone messenge apps and information can be easily circulated after forming groups,” said an official.

Police officials have formed groups with people of the city on their private numbers. Some of them have created groups on close users group (CUG) numbers to pass information.

SSP Deepak Kumar said: “We are trying to connect with more and more people. People too have come forward to exchange information with cops and share their experiences.”

A senior intelligence official pointed out that if we are able to connect with people directly, this can also be used to dispel rumors quickly. Besides, adviseries on avoiding untoward incidents like stampede and fire could also be shared.

“Exchanging information on messaging apps is a good idea. Cops are making efforts to bridge communication gap with masses and taking feedback from them,” Kumar added.

Incharges of police outposts or beat in-charges remain connect with each other on messaging apps and they have also connected with people like activists, shop owners’ associations and prominent citizens in their area. WhatsApp was chosen because of its popularity.