The brutal killing of a former Additional Advocate General's wife in Mohali has sent shockwaves through the city, instilling a profound sense of fear and vulnerability, especially among its elderly population. The incident has starkly exposed critical gaps in local policing, with many senior citizens now afraid to step out of their homes after dark.
Wave of Fear Grips Senior Citizens
The horrific crime has created a palpable atmosphere of panic. This fear is particularly acute for older residents whose children live in other cities or abroad. Many reported receiving frantic calls from worried children overseas, urging them to exercise extreme caution. The incident has forced a grim reality check about safety in residential neighbourhoods.
72-year-old retired banker Deepak Dua voiced the community's anguish, stating the situation is deteriorating daily. He highlighted that senior citizens no longer feel safe in Mohali. Dua pointed to the lack of police verification for domestic servants and the inability to take simple evening walks in their own lanes due to the fear of snatchers. "The fear of police among criminals has vanished, which is why such incidents are happening," he lamented.
Residents Blame Lack of Patrols, VVIP Focus
A common grievance among citizens is the glaring absence of a visible police presence on the ground. Residents allege that minimal patrolling has emboldened criminals. They claim a significant portion of the police force is tied up with VVIP security duties, leaving residential areas and internal roads virtually unprotected during evenings and nights.
80-year-old former administrative officer BS Bains echoed this concern, emphasizing the complete absence of PCR van patrols in his locality for years. He believes that even sporadic patrols by a single PCR vehicle could deter miscreants, but this basic policing measure is missing.
Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi also questioned the current police deployment strategy. He alleged that the excessive focus on protecting VVIPs and political leaders compromises the safety of ordinary residents. "Mohali needs its adequate share of police personnel. The moral policing and area patrolling concepts announced earlier must be implemented on the ground seriously," Bedi asserted.
Demands for Action and Official Response
In response to the crisis, senior citizens and residents have collectively put forth urgent demands:
- Increased and visible night patrolling in residential areas.
- Mandatory police verification of domestic help.
- Reallocation of police manpower from VVIP duties to neighbourhood security.
They have warned that without immediate corrective steps, the climate of fear and insecurity will only intensify.
SSP Mohali Harmandeep Singh Hans addressed the concerns, promising concrete action. He stated he would not offer excuses about a deficit police force. Instead, he committed to reviving older policing concepts, specifically focusing on the security of senior citizens and women. "We will work on the revival of moral policing and keep roads safer for senior citizens and women," SSP Hans assured.
