Bengaluru: The Karnataka Police has launched a digital monitoring initiative, the “e-Beat” system, aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of senior citizens living alone across the state.
The system is part of the Aasare Project, which was introduced in mid-January by M. A. Saleem, Director General and Inspector General of Police. The initiative focuses on combining technology with community policing to provide regular support and security to elderly residents.
Under the e-beat system, homes of senior citizens are identified and mapped as digital beat points, allowing police personnel to conduct scheduled visits and record them in real time. The system logs details such as time, location, and nature of interaction, ensuring accountability and transparency.
A key feature of the initiative is its automated alert mechanism, which notifies family members when a police visit takes place. This provides reassurance to relatives who may not be living nearby.
According to officials, over 20,000 households with elderly residents living alone have been identified so far, and more than 14,000 e-beat points have been created. The programme is being gradually expanded to cover more regions, including rural areas.
Apart from security checks, police personnel also engage with senior citizens, offering assistance with emergencies, health concerns, and basic needs. The initiative aims to reduce isolation among the elderly while building trust between citizens and law enforcement.
However, authorities noted challenges such as connectivity issues in remote areas and initial hesitation among some residents regarding frequent visits. Awareness efforts are underway to address these concerns.
The e-beat system reflects a broader push by Karnataka Police toward technology-enabled, citizen-centric policing, with a focus on protecting vulnerable sections of society.