Lack of security cause for concern

People in certain areas of North Bangalore which are now within BBMP as part of the incorporation of 110 villages into Bangalore’s limits are fairly happy with the macro development that has taken place, in terms of road development, water supply and formation of layouts.

But what is worrying residents is the lack of safety for women, lack of security against chain-snatching, attacks and assaults on women, especially late in the evening and at night.

Mallige P P, a homemaker near Ullal, says nights are unsafe. “Women and children cannot walk in the evenings to the market place. There are people who stare at us, make comments or walk around the area. They are strangers. We wonder what work they have in the area.The Ullal main road is okay, but the crosses are the problem areas. The safety and security of Ullal area has to be improved.”

While Ullal was deserted about 10 years ago, it has now developed into a sort of hub for people around Bangalore University.

While the main road developed, the interior roads have not been given the attention that Nagarabhavi was.

Geetha S S, homemaker near Malathhalli area, says police beats have to go up in the entire Malathhalli zone.

“Just one constable for an area is not enough. We need more police personnel. Women’s safety must be the top priority in this area. We have known cases of chain- snatching and sneering at women in the area. Even children find it difficult with all sorts of people in the area. We would like the entire stretch from Ullal to Malathhalli to become a safe zone.”

Her worry is the absence of any immediate police station other than at Jnanabharathi on Bangalore University campus.

The police station is overloaded taking up the work of nearly five stations.

Deccan Herald had reported that the Jnanabharathi station had 16 vacancies and police personnel there were under stress, calling for quick appointments.

Desolate stretches

Travelling a bit ahead of Ullal and Malathhalli towards villages that border BBMP limits, one finds long, desolate stretches. You find just one or two people on the roads which are absolutely empty even in broad daylight - morning and noon.

The absence of residential presence in the area makes it very vulnerable for women to walk alone. There’s not a single person you can call out to for help, so how would one find anybody to help people during evening and night times in these areas?

Ali M, a resident of Maruti Nagar, another outlying area, says “there is no guarantee of safety for women. We have seen cases of chain snatching, molestation and even attempt to rape.

When women go to the fields, they face grave risks, both morning and night.

We need to have more police patrol.

” From what residents say, these areas close to Nice road have to be brought into a better security architecture and framework and the overall presence of police personnel has to be enhanced.

Policemen Ramananjeyappa and Nagaraj A M this newspaper spoke to, said they work from Kumbalgodu police stati­on. When asked about women’s safety in the Kumbalgodu area, they said:

“We have a regular beat system. One constable is deputed in the morning and one at night. We do our rounds and cover the area around these villages regularly. We haven’t come across serious issues. We get to know of domestic quarrels, but we don’t interfere. If there is a serious incide­nt, we respond quickly. Let people lodge complaints with us, we will take action.”