Security for polls puts safety of Agra citizens at stake

As security forces remain busy with security arrangements for the elections, criminals in Agra seem to be having a field day. In less than a month, four women living alone in the city have been murdered.

Several shopkeepers and traders have been shot and looted. In Dhuliaganj area, a shopkeeper was shot in the afternoon a week ago and Rs 65,000 snatched from him. A generator dealer in Vijay Nagar colony was similarly shot at the national highway and he was robbed.

Similar incidents have been reported in the past week from Idgah Colony, Ram Bagh Colony, Balkeshwar Colony. On Friday, three major incidents of looting and burglary were reported within a span of two hours. Jewellers seem to have become a favourite target. Rajesh Kalyani, of the Spices Market of Rawat Para, said police were not able to cope with the rise in crime. 

"The criminals are roaming free and openly threatening the merchants. The gangsters and petty criminals are utilising this opportunity to their advantage," said hotelier Surendra Sharma.

Nobody is safe in Agra these days, say the residents. A delegation of businessmen and members of merchant chambers met Inspector General of Police (IG) P K Tiwari and Deputy Inspector General of Police Aseem Arun on Saturday and presented a memorandum listing their grievances. 

They vented their anger over an attack on a businessman and his son, residents of Moti Ganj some time back. The father is fighting for life at Medant Hospital. They have demanded firm action against the criminals. 

Inspector General Tiwari explained that adequate police force was not available for routine duties because of the election process. 

But he assured the traders that full security will be provided to the people.