Ludhiana Business Community Voices Anger Over Deteriorating Security
In a tense public gathering on Wednesday evening, Ludhiana police officials faced sharp criticism from local traders and industrialists regarding the city's worsening law and order situation. The meeting was organized just one day after a masked assailant attacked a trader with an ice pick at Saidan Chowk, highlighting the urgent security concerns.
Trade Associations Demand Accountability
Representatives from various trade associations across the Old City attended the assembly, expressing their frustration directly to senior police personnel. Present at the meeting were station house officers from the Central sub-division, Assistant Commissioner of Police-Central Anil Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police-1 Sameer Verma, and politicians from multiple parties.
The business owners spoke candidly about their experiences with crime and what they described as systemic police apathy. One factory owner from Division Number 4 shared a particularly disheartening story about the theft of a Rs 12,000 battery from his premises. Despite investing additional money to obtain bills and purchasing three pen drives to provide CCTV evidence to authorities, his complaint was never formally registered as a First Information Report.
Systemic Issues with FIR Registration
The grievances presented revealed a pattern of reluctance to file official police reports. Another businessman recounted catching a thief inside his factory, only to have officers refuse to register a case because the criminal act had not been fully executed. An entrepreneur from Bajwa Nagar reported being burgled three separate times without a single FIR being lodged, with police consistently citing staff shortages as justification for their inaction.
A Climate of Fear Grips Industrial Hub
The sense of security in Ludhiana's industrial areas appears to have completely evaporated according to attendees. Business owners reported that laborers are targeted by snatchers almost daily, making it unsafe to carry cash for wages or transactions. "I wake up in the middle of the night to check my factory CCTV cameras to ensure everything is secure," one businessman admitted, reflecting the pervasive anxiety affecting the commercial community.
Police Response and Promises of Action
In response to the strong outcry, police officials promised immediate measures to address the security concerns. On Thursday, Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma conducted a follow-up briefing with his force to develop strategic responses. "We are increasing patrolling in the most affected areas and doubling PCR teams in certain beats," Sharma stated during the meeting.
While urging traders to install additional CCTV cameras to enhance surveillance capabilities, the commissioner emphasized the police department's determination to restore safety and order to Ludhiana's commercial corridors. The promises included deploying extra personnel to high-risk police stations and implementing more visible security measures throughout vulnerable industrial zones.
