Police stations in Palampur face staff shortage

Ravinder Sood

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Palampur, December 20

Despite manifold increase in the population of this region of the state, lack of adequate police personnel in four police stations of Palampur, Baijnath, Bhawarna and Lambagaon has resulted in increase in the crime rate.

Though the state government is aware of the current situation, it has not yet initiated measures to enhance the police force in these police stations. It is adversely affecting the law and order situation. The strength of police personnel at these police stations is the same as it was in 2001.

Owing to the shortage of police force, lack of proper transport means and absence of night patrolling, anti-social elements have become active in these areas who commit crimes and escape.

Though Palampur has a vast area under its jurisdiction, the police station here has only one jeep and one motorcycle. Only 80 litres of diesel for the jeep and 20 litres of petrol for the motorcycle is made available per month. Similar is the situation at other police stations.

Information gathered by The Tribune revealed that the present strength of constabulary in these police stations was only 21, including driver, cook and munshi. Out of these, three constables remain busy in court matters, two are deputed for postmortem and MLCs in hospitals, one is always on army duty at the firing range, two to three constables on leave. Besides, as per orders of the higher authorities women constables cannot be deputed during the late hours.

Hardly 10 constables are left at disposal of the SHOs to check law and order, therefore all 10 had to work for 24 hours. No overtime is paid in the police department. With a skeleton staff, the police cannot check the rise in crime.

The residences, provided to the policemen in the Palampur police complex, are in a bad condition. Most of the police quarters were constructed 90 years ago. There are no funds even for white-washing and carrying out repair of these buildings.

The residence of the SHO is on the verge of collapse. Likewise, constables and other staff of the police station are also residing in unsafe buildings.