With no cover, the officers labor; a community cries out for justice for its guardians.
Dedicated with great fanfare on October 11, 2024, by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Wagholi police station in Pune was supposed to enhance police presence in the fast-expanding locality. But only months after its opening, the station is a grim reminder of dereliction, as police officers toil in appalling conditions, subject to the elements for lack of elementary infrastructure. The harrowing reality, exposed by local activists, has evoked outrage and demands for immediate measures to extend officers the dignity and amenities they are entitled to.
The Wagholi police station, which is one of seven newly inaugurated police stations in Pune and four in Pimpri-Chinchwad, is also plagued by acutely critical problems that make operations there a challenge. There is an overwhelming shortage of staff that leaves the few available personnel with a crushing workload of serious crime investigations and general day-to-day complaints. Lack of basic facilities such as seating, washrooms, drinking water, and toilet facilities aggravates their problem. Lacking a decent building, employees work in an ad hoc open-air arrangement, utilizing only a few chairs and no roof, exposing officers and visiting residents alike to extreme weather conditions.
The grim reality was exposed when a team of young activists, organized by a concerned community member, noticed that officers worked outdoors with official papers left open to the elements. The administrative head of the station was witnessed handling vital tasks in such undignified situations, indicating a glaring lack of even minimum infrastructure. The activists have since taken up the issue, making a formal appeal to the Chief Minister for urgent intervention. They are demanding a new, properly equipped building, basic facilities such as toilets and drinking water, and enhanced manpower to help reduce the workload on the overburdened staff.
The lack of proper facilities not only undermines the station’s efficiency but also poses health risks to personnel, with potential for stress-related ailments like hypertension and musculoskeletal issues. The community argues that supporting police welfare is critical to maintaining law and order, as poor working conditions erode morale and productivity. The absence of adequate space for storing seized property or parking recovered vehicles further complicates operations, leaving the station ill-equipped to serve Wagholi’s growing population.
Authorities have acknowledged the crisis, with plans underway to construct a permanent building. A proposal has been approved, but construction awaits final land measurements. In the interim, efforts are being made to secure a temporary site to relocate operations, ensuring space for staff and essential functions. . The people now expect immediate action to redeem dignity for its police force, and they pray for a solution that empowers officers to serve and protect effectively.
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