Setting up of police stations in Uttarakhand hills proposed
DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand police have proposed to the state government the setting up of regular police stations in several areas in the Garhwal and Kumaon hills where the crime rate is high. The government has not yet taken a decision on the proposal.
At present, only the revenue police and not the re gular police function in these hilly areas. These places include Kanda in Bageshwar, Tyuni in Dehradun, Pati in Champawat, Danya in Almora, Mori in Uttarakashi and Thalisain in Pauri.
This revenue police force consists mainly of patwaris who look after revenue-related work. The patwaris have powers to file FIRs and detain accused. Around 61% the total area of Uttarakhand falls under the revenue police.
The police department said there is need to extend the services of the regular police to these areas for better investigation and control of crime.
Inspector general of police Sanjay Gunjyal said a need has been f elt f or opening police stations in 8 places in Garhwaland Kumaon hills.
T hese places have been identified after talks with local representatives, members of the civil society, the district magistrate and other officials. These places have witnessed an increase in crime and other illegal activities as smuggling of liquor, illegal mining, cultivation of narcotic plants. Gunjyal said the police department has given a presentation to the sub-committee of the ministers of Uttarakhand asking for opening these police stations. He said the matter is at present pending with the government.