Panchkula: A makeshift quickfix for women sanitation staff to change clothes has turned into a workplace for a Panchkula police team in Sector 15. Their office is a 20ft container, which has been “remodelled“ as a police outpost. It has been open for the past one year or so, with questionable benefits, say residents.The interior of the container has been modified to make it look like a convincing outpost manned by a team led by a sub-inspector. The entrance sports a police outpost board. Inside, the furnishing includes two fans and two couches, table and chairs. A cooler provides feeble respite from the heat. Outside, there is a makeshift toilet and water campers.However, residents said no DDR or FIR is registered here and they are sent to the Sector 14 police station to admit any complaint. There is not much space to sit inside. Unsurprisingly, patrolling is unsatisfactory and theft cases have increased, say residents.Sunil Vashisht, president, Residents Welfare Association, Sector 15, said, “About one year ago, three police chowkis, including one in Sector 15, were closed in Panchkula citing low crime rate in those areas. The existing chowki was given to the cyber and enforcement staff. This container, which was being used by sanitation workers to change and rest at the time, was set up for the outpost. It is like a beat box and not a chowki as no DDR or FIR is registered here. Complainants are sent to the Sector 14 police station.”He is skeptical about the low crime rate claim and stresses the need for proper policing.“Contrary to what the police say, theft of car batteries and inverters is a routine thing. A few days ago, three ACs were stolen. Besides, copper wire, which provides direct power connection to the meter, was recently stolen from the area. We are in talks with the police to find a place for a proper police chowki,” he added.His views are echoed by Sector 15 resident S K Nayar, president, Panchkula Citizens Welfare Association. “Our area is vulnerable to crime. There is a liquor vend, rehri market, independent houses, societies, villages and EWS colonies here and near the sector. There are about 2,800 houses with a population of about 16,000. A police post must be built here,” he said.When contacted, DCP Aditi Singh said it was a temporary arrangement.“It is only an outpost and is a temporary arrangement in view of the abadi. We are finding a space and will shift it to a permanent place soon,” she assured.
