The Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) industrial cluster, situated on the border of Himachal Pradesh, is witnessing a significant surge in criminal activities, highlighting a critical deficit in police resources to effectively manage the escalating situation.
Crime Spike Escalates Concerns in Industrial Hub
The industrial belt has recorded eight incidents of firing this year alone, and at least two cases of ransom calls have emerged in the past two months. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Nalagarh police discovered two grenades in Deoli village a month prior, necessitating the intervention of the Punjab Police’s bomb disposal squad.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the criminal elements appear to be operating in a coordinated and organized manner. Their modus operandi often involves committing crimes, such as firing gunshots, and subsequently escaping into Punjab and Haryana through the porous inter-state border. This tactic underscores the challenges faced by local law enforcement in apprehending perpetrators.
Inter-state criminal gangs are reportedly establishing a stronger presence within the cluster, frequently targeting industrialists and scrap dealers who often conduct business near the state borders. These groups are primarily motivated by ransom demands, further exacerbating the security concerns for businesses operating in the region.
Police Force Insufficient for Growing Demands
Baddi Superintendent of Police, Vinod Dhiman, has emphasized the dire need for increased police presence. He stated that a demand has been put forth for the deployment of two reserve battalions in the area, citing that the current police force is stretched thin across various essential duties including traffic management, crime investigation, and maintaining law and order. Dhiman further highlighted the necessity for a dedicated unit to address cybercrimes, manage helplines, and staff women’s desks, in addition to routine policing responsibilities.
The border police stations, according to officials, have become particularly vulnerable points and require immediate strengthening. The BBN cluster’s police strength is currently clubbed with other border districts like Una and Solan, a practice that officials believe needs urgent revision. This classification is deemed inadequate given the cluster’s disproportionately high crime index and its substantial migrant population, estimated to be in the several lakhs.
Political Representatives Call for Enhanced Security
Nalagarh Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Hardeep Bawa, has consistently advocated for an augmented police force for the cluster. He cited the area’s strategic location bordering Punjab and Haryana as a key factor necessitating enhanced security measures. Bawa also expressed alarm over recent firing incidents that occurred in close proximity to his residence, underscoring the palpable sense of insecurity among residents.
The current state of affairs in the BBN cluster points towards a pressing need for the Himachal Pradesh government to address the manpower shortage within the police department. The cluster’s significant industrial output and its role as a commercial hub necessitate a robust security framework to ensure the safety of its residents and businesses, and to maintain public confidence in law enforcement capabilities. Swift action against criminals is crucial to restore order and deter further criminal activities in the region.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
