Boinda: The lack of staff at the Thakurgarh police station in Angul district is one of the reasons why the villagers of 11 panchayats in this Maoist-infested area are spending sleepless nights.
Though the original staff strength at the police station is supposed to be 17, there are only four staff at the station now, reports said.
The distraught villagers Thursday sent a letter to the CM, urging him to take early steps to fill up the vacant posts.
According to local residents, Thakurgarh is a Maoist-infested area. In order to ensure tight security, the Thakurgarh police station has been sanctioned with one IIC, one second officer, five ASIs and 10 constable posts.
However, the current scenario at the police station tells a different story. The station now has only one IIC, one ASI and two constables.
The posts of one second officer, four ASIs and eight constables have been lying vacant for several months. The villagers come to the station hoping for an early solution for their problems, but they have to return disappointed even after waiting for a long time.
Laxmipur, Tentoli, Bipradiha, Kenchuanali, Kansab, Korab and some other areas are notorious for Maoist activities.
Cashing in on the slack security system and almost no patrolling, Red rebels from Nayagarh and Satkosia sneak into these areas and move freely. Besides, the lack of police patrolling has given rise to rampant poaching, felling trees and smuggling of animal parts and timbers. Illegal hooch smuggling and incidents of loot and robberies are also on the rise.
The post of second officer has been lying vacant following the suspension of Raghunath Panda over his alleged improper investigation into a murder case October 5. Local residents demanded that the state government should take steps to fill up the vacant posts.
IIC Gabaksha Nayak said, “Despite staff shortage, we are providing all possible services to the people. Patrolling has been beefed up.
When contacted, Angul SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said: “The vacant posts would be filled up once the government gives appointment to officers. The matter is under consideration.”
PNN