No 'Jaya' for this police station

No 'Jaya' for this police station

The Jayanagar police have managed to solve just 12% of the 440 cases registered in 2008

Shwetha S. Bangalore

'Jaya', in Sanskrit, means victory. For Jayanagar police, victory is not something they have achieved; instead it is a word prefixed to the Nagar they police.
Any Jayanagar resident would vouch for the intensified police patrolling they have been witnessing these days. But they are quick to add that it is the fallout of the double murder to which they woke up on Saturday.
In 2008, the police solved just 12% of the 440 cases registered. However, 2007 was a shade better for Jayanagar police: they solved 21% of the 294 cases registered. The difference in cases registered in 2008 over the previous year was huge – 149%. Yet, the police station stands handicapped for reasons best known to those who matter. Jayanagar, considered to be the largest residential layout in Asia, has a population of three lakh. The police station, set up to maintain law and order in this area, has 86 personnel, against a sanctioned strength of 106.
Besides an inspector, the station has four sub-inspectors, nine assistant sub-inspectors, 24 head constables and 48 constables. For the 86 personnel, the government has allotted two jeeps, one Hoysala vehicle and four motorcycles, which are not enough for emergencies.
Armory is a major area of concern for Jayanagar police. The constables are provided with the outdated .303 rifles. During night rounds, the constables carry loaded rifles. "We use it only during emergencies, but I seriously doubt whether it will work or not," a constable confided. The personnel have been clamoring for better firearms such as the AK-47 and other self-loading rifles.
B Suri, a retired employee, said, "I have been staying in Jayanagar 6th Block for the past three decades. I have never faced any problem with the police. As far as patrolling is concerned, I hardly see them during night. I have seen a Hoysala jeep moving around a few times. However, after that recent murder (of an elderly couple), they have been patrolling regularly."
However, K G Rajanna, said, "I stay in Jayanagar 3rd Block. Policemen come patrolling our area regularly."