Coimbatore Police Launch QR Code Platform for Anonymous Crime Reporting

The Coimbatore District (Rural) Police on Sunday introduced ‘Nizhal’, a QR code-based platform that enables the public to report crimes or seek police intervention anonymously. The initiative was inaugurated by District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar.

The platform is designed to improve public safety and allow for quicker police response during emergencies. QR codes will be displayed in phases at key public locations across the district, including bus stands, railway stations, schools, hospitals, and commercial complexes.

Scanning the QR code with a smartphone camera directs users to a digital reporting interface. The platform offers the option to record an audio message and send it incognito, or to submit typed information with optional photos and location data, either anonymously or with personal details. An emergency button is also available, requiring the user to share their mobile number and location so the police can respond.

“The objective of ‘Nizhal’ is to encourage the public to report crimes, especially drug peddling and crimes against women and children, without inhibition,” said District Superintendent of Police A. Pavan Kumar Reddy. He added that reports can include drug peddling, eve-teasing, public drinking, ragging, or any other incident requiring police action.

Alerts received through the platform will be monitored round-the-clock at the Master Command and Control Centre at the SP office. Trained personnel will scrutinise alerts and coordinate with concerned police stations and emergency units. All patrol units are monitored in real time, and the nearest team will be dispatched to the location when intervention is needed.

The police plan to display the QR code at at least 10,000 locations in the first phase.