Inept cannot Act:
February 23/2015 : The grim situation prevailing in Bhubaneswar should have all citizens worried. The complete collapse of the police administration mocks what many may call the rule of law. The continuous and miserable failures being noticed in recent times will certainly result in increased activism of anti-social elements. Some so-called Congress student leaders, involved in the 19 February incident near Keshari cinema theatre, have been given a certification of being audacious by the Commissionerate Police. By arresting them, the system has helped create a dozen or so new hooligans in Bhubaneswar.
The issue at stake is not just the hurling of a few eggs at the Chief Minister’s car in the capital this past week. Luckily the missiles thrown at the car were simply eggs and not stones or something more lethal. That the dignitary was unhurt was something that one has to thank Mother Luck for. It was definitely not the security system that could protect the Chief Minister, although there was sufficient advance warning in the shape of intelligence inputs. The complete failure on the part of the city police signifies a callousness that borders on an uncaring attitude.
May be, it is this uncaring attitude that has fostered crime and criminals in both Bhubaneswar and Cuttack in recent times. The scent of exclusivity being conferred on the Commissionerate Police should not lead us to believe that it is in any manner different or more elite than the regular police of this state. Unmotivated, inefficient and highly partisan, it today has become a completely ineffective force primarily because seniors in the police force have developed a serious sense of complacence. They have probably come to the conclusion that whatever happens anywhere, will not be blamed on them. They probably feel they can get away from any situation simply by being good to a few inpiduals in spite of their non performance.
The word 'commission' reminds everyone as if only a commission can enable you purchase justice the way it is desired. Ensconced in the palatial dome shaped building, the higher ups do not notice the huge clock ticking away. Time and the facade has greatly distanced the police authorities from the common man.
Most people will agree that interacting with the Commissionerate Police is a problem by itself. It is also noticed that complainants are summoned over and over again to the police station while the culprit roams the street free and easy. The tendency of the police to effect a 'compromise' in most cases of assault, trespass, theft, snatching, eve teasing and other kinds of serious harassment of women, the elderly and those without muscle power or right connections, has reached extreme proportions.
It is generally believed that such types of nuisance is not only being tolerated but clandestinely encouraged by the police. The reason for this is not far to seek. The most astute method for this subtle encouragement has been made possible simply by the unavailability and complete inaction of senior officials to redress the grievances of the common man. This festering wound has remained unattended for far too long now and that has reached a level wherein the motorcade of the state’s top dignitary was targeted.
It is easy to put the blame on unidentifiable, politically motivated youths or arrest a dozen or so of them. The real problem is of the unidentified criminal elements that showed the boldness to carry out such an act and take the security system for a ride. Unless the cops start reacting appropriately and helping the average citizen in distress, they cannot expect any social help. Without such help, criminals will flourish and acts such as the one staged Thursday, February 19, will only become more frequent and violent.