Gaya: Sushil Kumar, who has taken charge as the SSP of Gaya, faces a formidable challenge amid several concerns ranging from crime control and discipline in the force to security of key religious sites and the need for a tourist-friendly approach in Bodh Gaya.With 46 police stations responsible for the security of around 58 lakh people spread across nearly 4,976 sq km, Gaya has long been considered a demanding district for policing. Its past crime record, sheer size and susceptibility to political interference add to the complexity of the task.
Although Maoism, once seen as the biggest threat to law enforcement, has declined, Gaya watchers caution that the SSP cannot afford to lower his guard.Kaushalendra Pratap Singh, patron of the Central Bihar Chamber of Commerce, said the current law and order situation “leaves much to be desired” and the new SSP will have to work extra hard to earn the confidence of stakeholders, particularly the business community. He advocated intensive patrolling in commercial areas, saying a “hit and run” approach is ineffective. Proper identification of criminals and gangs, followed by sustained pressure, is essential, he said, adding that the SSP is not entirely “new” to the district, having earlier served as SDPO of Imamganj.Former Indian Medical Association Gaya chapter president Dr Ram Sewak said perennial traffic jams have worsened. He said the much-publicised anti-encroachment drive has virtually stalled, with footpath vendors once again occupying KP Road and other areas. “Permanent encroachments have hardly been touched,” he said.Gaya Bar Association president Qaiser Sharfuddin urged qualitative improvement in investigations, with greater reliance on scientific and circumstantial evidence. “Hearsay-based investigation cannot provide the desired result,” he said.
