‘Safeguarding Good’, a challenge facing Chhattisgarh Police
The motto of the Chhattisgarh police, ‘Paritranaya Sadhunaam’, signifies the mission to protect the good and law-abiding citizens. However, recent crime surges in the state cast a shadow over the police’s effectiveness in living up to this promise. The rising tide of criminal activity is tarnishing the reputation of the Chhattisgarh police force.
Historically, during the previous Congress regime, the BJP frequently highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Now, with the Congress back in opposition, they are raising similar concerns. This cyclical political blame game overshadows a more alarming trend: an absolute surge in violent crimes. An incident where masked men opened fire in front of a businessman’s office starkly illustrates the emboldenment of criminals, driven by perceived police inefficiency and the politicization of the police force.
Several decades ago, the police demonstrated significant resolve by encountering notorious criminals like Gangster Lallu Tiwari in Raipur and Govind Vishwakarma in Bhilai after Chhattisgarh was carved out from Madhya Pradesh. The elimination of these criminals had a profound impact, causing many gang members to either go underground or surrender. The then Chief Minister, Dr. Raman Singh, commended the police for their bravery, an act that had long-lasting effects on maintaining law and order.
However, recent events, such as the arson and violence in Balodabazar, reveal a troubling intermingling of politics and crime, leading to disturbances. This incident appears to be a premeditated act by vested interests. The police must thoroughly investigate and, if political figures are involved, the government should act decisively to set a strong precedent. Both the Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and the Home Minister Vijay Sharma have emphasized the need for impartial and uncompromising action by police and administrative officials to uphold the rule of law.
Current crime statistics indicate a worrying rise in criminal activities in districts like Durg, Raipur, and Bilaspur. Political protection appears to embolden mafias, with a noticeable absence of visible policing. Effective policing fundamentals, such as night patrols and domination exercises, seem to be neglected. Preventing crime through proactive measures is crucial; mere post-crime actions are insufficient.
Organized crime, often coordinated by criminals operating from jails, poses a severe threat. As business interests in coal, mining, and the steel industry grow, so does the influx of criminals from neighboring states. A potential alliance between these criminals and Naxalites could have devastating consequences for the state. The lack of Range Combing Operations by the IG Range is concerning, and the apparent erosion of respect among junior and senior police officers has aggravated the situation. The government must appoint capable officers to critical positions, prioritizing merit over political considerations.
The misuse of police forces for political or financial gain is detrimental to the state’s security. Major cities are witnessing an alarming rise in eve teasing, traffic violations, road rage, and other crimes. Public safety is so compromised that venturing out after 10 PM, especially in areas like Nava Raipur, poses significant risks of robbery or assault by drug addicts.
The situation in Chhattisgarh is dire, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul of the police and civic administration. The state government should draw lessons from other BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, where effective deterrent policing has led to a significant reduction in crime. Without substantial reforms, the situation is likely to deteriorate further, making life increasingly perilous for law-abiding citizens.
