5 lakh commuters, only 5 cops

5 lakh commuters, only 5 cops
A highly disproportionate policeman-commuters ratio at two bus stations at Majestic has made policing a tough task for five brave cops
HEMANTH KASHYAP


Five lakh commuters move in and out, 6,000 buses zoom in and out, thousands of autos move around picking or dropping commuters, hundreds of pickpockets are on the prowl and scores of eunuchs prey on their clients. This is a typical day at KSRTC and BMTC bus stations at Majestic. The number of policeman manning these stations: Just 5.
Though Majestic remains one of the most important transport hubs in the city, security is low on the agenda of top police officials. A police outpost set up to cater to the security needs of commuters using city and long-distance transport has been fighting against all odds to remain functional.
STATION OR TOILET?
“First, none knows if the police outpost exists as the structure resembles a toilet. Second, there are few personnel at any given point of time, which takes a toll on their reaction time during an emergency,” said a KSRTC official.
A policeman on duty at the Kempegowda bus terminal said Majestic is an area where one can find all kinds of people, including criminals trying to pick passengers pockets or their luggage. “We have to look after both the bus stations, which is impossible.”
‘STICKING’ AROUND
“You can imagine how five policemen can provide security to five lakh people over such a vast area with just lathis,” he said. To add to their woes, the police do not have proper transport nor do they have proper weapons while performing night duty, when their lives are at maximum risk.
A minimum of 10 cases of pickpocketing and some cases of suitcase lifting are reported every day. Besides, many minor crimes take place, but victims don’t inform the police. “Despite all these problems, we have been performing our duty. We have been catching criminals, but there are too many. Each time we arrest one, there is another one to take his place,” said a constable.
He said there are many who have come from outside and become criminals here. “It’s hard to find them,” he said.
SHADY ACTIVITY
While manning these two stations itself is a tough job, the police have also been entrusted with the task of looking after the underground pedestrian crossings that connect these two transport hubs. “All kinds of ‘dirty’ activities take place here. We cannot do much about it as we are fewer in number,” said the constable.
Prostitution is another major problem in the bus stations. “Many people from outside are seen soliciting customers,” said the constable.
“While ‘diesel monsters’ are waiting to take passengers to nearby and distant destinations, criminals are on the prowl to ‘pounce’ on their unsuspecting victims,” said Ramesh Kumar, who owns a shop in the bus stand.
A constable himself expressed doubts over the safety of passengers’ luggage at the KSRTC’s bus station’s cloak room. There are a multitude of shops and restaurants catering to travellers, which too need security. With staff shortage, our task has become tougher,” said the constable on the night shift.
LAX SECURITY
Challenges:
Manning 5 lakh commuters at two bus stations at Majestic
Cracking down on pickpockets, prostitutes
At least 10 cases of pickpocketing and suitcase lifting per day, other minor c rimes
Manning underground pedestrian crossings
Number of cops: 5 Weapons: Lathis