Berhampur: Almost all the police stations in Ganjam district are struggling for vacant spaces these days as seized vehicles, both two and four-wheelers, have consumed most of the empty areas in their compounds.
Till 2009, the seized articles and vehicles were disposed off through auction. However, in 2009, the rule pertaining to seized materials and vehicles changed. It became difficult for the owners to get their articles back and for police to dispose them. By the time the cases are settled in courts, the vehicles kept in the open, are reduced virtually to debris.
In the last five years, the number of the seized vehicles has increased manifold starting from the rural police stations to the ones in this town – the Baidyanathpur PS, Goshaninuagaon PS and Badabazaar PS.
A lion’s share of these vehicles is numberless ones, presumably used by miscreants. Once the police seize their two or four-wheelers, they simply forego them.
Since these vehicles occupy more than half of the open spaces, it becomes difficult to organise events and functions for the police stations.
When asked on this issue Additional Superintendent of Police Prashant Kumar Mishra said, in case of those vehicles that have been picked up for reasons other than criminal activities, the owners are asked to take them away after furnishing the necessary documents. However, those confiscated due to accidents and criminal activities can only be disposed off after necessary court permissions, added Mishra.
PNN