Police biases thwarting commoners' justice bid

HYDERABAD: Concerns over police negligence, either due to laxity or pressure from political leaders, in helping victims of various cases file cases and get justice have emerged among city residents, with many recent incidents also cited by legal experts.

In one such instance, a person died in front of the Malakpet Police Station as the police allegedly refused to file a case on his complaints, due to his involvement in cases previously.

Vijaya Bhavani, the victim’s wife, told Deccan Chronicle: “We gave a complaint to the police 22 days before. The accused threatened me many times even though I'm pregnant. The police didn't listen to our complaint because my husband was involved in a case before. If the police had helped, my husband would still be alive. Now, I'm pregnant and have two kids. He was our only source of income.”

In another such case, a 55-year-old woman alleged she was being threatened by the police over a case of land grabbing she filed at the Bachupally Police Station.

Not willing to be named, she told Deccan Chronicle: “I have an ancestral property, but the police are influenced by a local political leader. They threatened and beat me. In November 2022, I had to leave because of their pressure. The police even told me that they were pressurised by authorities and can’t do justice. They asked me not to visit the police station.”

Erram Sujatha, a homemaker in Kokapet, said that her husband had also sought police help in many instances, but they were not given any help.

“This kind of story is not rare. People in different parts of the city face similar problems. Feeling ignored by the system that’s supposed to protect us is really hard. It leaves scars that hurt a lot,” she said.

Ranjith Rathore, a Nizampet resident, said: “The police mention the concept of a zero FIR, but in practice, it’s seldom observed. If the victim had lodged a complaint under a zero FIR, I wouldn’t be discussing this issue with you today. Police officers are meant to work closely with the public to build trust. This type of policing doesn't seem to be doing a good job of addressing people’s real worries.”

Thakur Raj Kumar Singh, a social activist, said, “Some incidents show that people from influential backgrounds get quick response and justice. Unfortunately, not everyone gets justice, even after a long fight. Friendly policing should mean that the police quickly help, take action, and truly care about people's well-being.”

Advocate Gaddam Venkata Susheela said, “Laws seem to favour only influential people. There are many incidents where police are influenced and do what the powerful party wants. There is no equal justice in society. The Constitution is seen in books but not in practice. There is no justice for the common person. When people don’t get help from the police, they start to feel powerless. Although the laws are powerful, it makes influential persons more powerful.”

Another advocate, Budidha Sanjeev Kumar, said, “In cases where victims don't get justice, they can approach the court and say they've been asking for justice for a long time but haven't gotten any. The court will address the issue. This is a widespread situation. Many victims worry, and some are even hurt. Incidents are happening, but they aren't highlighted because of local political leaders.”

A police inspector with the Malakpet police said: “We are always ready to address public issues. We might be busy with bundobast or meetings. People who have problems and don't get help can talk to the police. If local police don’t help, talking to higher-ranking officers or the police chief can be a good idea. People can also complain online since many things happen online nowadays. This makes it easier for people to share their issues without leaving their homes.”