Staff shortage at Hyderabad police stations hits general public

 Hyderabad: The police force is facing numerous manpower challenges as a significant number of personnel, and resources, have been entrusted with election-related responsibilities. Only a handful of staff is available in police stations to address the grievances of the general public. The situation is such that many police stations are currently operating with a skeleton staff, comprising less than 20 percent of the regular workforce.

As a consequence, individuals visiting police stations with complaints are subject to frustrating delays as the concerned officials ‘are not around’.

According to Rama Raju from Srinagar colony "I had to visit the police station to enquire about the progress and status of a long-pending case of mine as the officer was unavailable on phone. I found only some staff members in the police station and I had to wait for more than three hours. What is more irksome was that no one was aware about when the officer would be back in office.”

Nischal, a resident of Borabanda, who went to a police station to lodge a cheating complaint, said “I was shocked to see how overcrowded and disorganized it was. There was a long line of people waiting for the arrival of the SI. Understandably they may have been deputed on bandobast duty but it is equally important that alternative arrangements are made. Concerns of the public should also be prioritized. They cannot be left in the lurch.”

West zone DCP Joel Davis told Deccan Chronicle “We acknowledge the difficulties that the citizens are facing. Our officers are indeed preoccupied with election-related duties. We are taking this matter seriously and exploring strategies to reduce the waiting time and ensure that all citizens receive timely assistance”.