VARANASI, Dec. 21 -- Residents of Ghazipur, Jaunpur and Chandauli districts can now confidentially report illegal activities such as cow smuggling, liquor trafficking and illegal arms trade to name a few through a WhatsApp bot titled 'Police Satark Mitra', launched by Uttar Pradesh Police, Varanasi range, on Saturday.

Deputy inspector general of police (Varanasi range) Vaibhav Krishna said the initiative was introduced to encourage public participation in policing while ensuring complete confidentiality of informers. Citizens can share information by sending a WhatsApp message to 7839860411 or by scanning the QR code linked to the bot.

"If any citizen receives information about or witnesses illegal activities in Jaunpur, Ghazipur or Cha...