JOIN USCops cope with snakes, monkeys and a damp roof
The police station in Mulbagal, which covers the entire town and 70 per cent of the taluk (187 villages), is in a dilapidated condition.
Though the government claims have spend crores of rupees on upgrading and strengthening police department, the ground realities present a stark contrast.
No funds have been sanctioned for the development of the station which lacks even basic amenities. The station lacks power supply, has no separate toilets and no place to park vehicles.
Further, the policemen are troubled by snakes and monkeys which invade the premises often. Though a new building has been sanctioned, the authorities concerned have not bothered to take any step.
The police station functions almost 24 hours in the town which has population of 60,000.
It was inaugurated in 1985 by the then Home Minister B Rachaiah. Mulbagal town has all most equal population of Hindus and Muslims and was identified as communally sensitive region since pre-independence.
A communally riot in any part of the State has a direct bearing on the town.
Policemen are often found guarding the streets of Mulbagal on such occasions. It is indeed a matter of concern that the police station lacks infrastructure.
The NH-4, which connects Mumbai with Chennai and covers three states, passes through the district and on the outskirts of the town. The road is frequently used by the VIPs, visiting Tirupati and Chennai.
Traffic issues
There is also an increase in the number of road accidents as the same stretch is used by thousands of pilgrims visiting Kurudumale, Narasimhateertha, Anjaneya and Somalingeshwara Swamy Temples in the taluk.
The places like Palamneru, V Kota, Punganur and Ramasandra in Andhra Pradesh, are identified as Naxal infected and borders Mulbagal taluk. Hence, the police have an uphill task of protecting the region from Naxalites.
The station is understaffed and faces problem while maintaining law and order during political and other clashes.
Currently, two PSIs, three ASIs, 15 HCs, two WHCs, 40 PCs, five WPCs are working at the station. Some are here on deputation.
As many as 6,000 to 7,000 cases are referred to the station every year by the courts. Though the cases need to be disposed off at the earliest, the lack of personnel has hindered the work.