Lucknow: A husband and wife walk into a police station after months of arguments, allegations and growing mistrust. Their relationship is hanging by a thread, and both are contemplating separation. Instead of registering a complaint or beginning a legal battle, they are ushered into a counselling session where police officers patiently encourage dialogue. Hours later, the couple leaves together, willing to make another attempt at saving their marriage.Such scenes are becoming increasingly common across Lucknow under ‘Operation Kiran’, an initiative that is giving a more humane dimension to policing by addressing family conflicts before they turn into criminal cases or irreparable breakdowns.In recent days, police stations in Banthra, Gosainganj, Nagaram and Bijnor have helped reconcile several estranged couples through structured counselling sessions. According to joint commissioner of police (law and order) Babloo Kumar, officers listened to both parties, involved family members in discussions and worked to bridge communication gaps that had fuelled the disputes.“In cases where both sides are willing to engage in dialogue and no serious cognisable offence is involved, officers first attempt counselling and mediation to help resolve issues amicably,” Kumar said.Police officials said the counselling process often extends beyond the husband and wife, bringing parents and other family members into the conversation to address misunderstandings, financial concerns and interpersonal conflicts. The focus remains on voluntary reconciliation, mutual respect and restoring communication, rather than imposing solutions.For many couples, these counselling sessions are offering something more valuable than legal intervention — a second chance to rebuild trust, restore relationships and keep families together.
