In a recent revelation, the police department has come under heavy criticism for its excessive use of roadblocks, causing inconvenience to the general public. The shocking details came to light when Ajit Patil, a citizen who missed his court hearing due to blocked roads, filed a Right to Information (RTI) request. The data obtained from the request exposed a staggering truth: Rani Channamma Circle in Belagavi, a vital junction for public movement, was blocked a total of 50 times between January 2022 and April 2023 for various processions and political events.
What is even more concerning is the fact that these figures represent only the instances where official permission was sought. There is no information available regarding the countless other times when the circle was blocked without any legitimate justification. This raises serious questions about the police department’s regard for public convenience and their understanding of their role in maintaining order while ensuring the smooth flow of everyday life.
The incidents of roadblocks for processions and VIP movement have become an all-too-common occurrence in our society. Every time a political candidate files a nomination or high-ranking official visits the city, roads are sealed off, leaving ordinary citizens stranded and frustrated. This recurring problem not only disrupts the daily routines of individuals but also poses a threat to public safety, especially in emergency situations where every minute counts.
One must wonder why there is a lack of a dedicated space for processions and similar events. By designating specific areas for such activities, the authorities can ensure that the general public is not subjected to unnecessary inconvenience and chaos. Other major cities around the world have successfully implemented this approach, providing designated spaces or routes for public demonstrations and processions. It is high time our police department takes a leaf out of its book and works towards a more organized and citizen-friendly approach.
Moreover, the roadblocks to the VIP movement have become a symbol of privilege and entitlement. While it is important to ensure the safety of public figures, it should not come at the cost of inconveniencing the common people. VIPs should be able to move about without disrupting the lives of others. Advanced planning, alternate routes, and coordination with relevant stakeholders are key elements in managing VIP movements efficiently and minimizing the impact on the general public.
The police department, as the primary enforcer of law and order, has a responsibility to strike a balance between facilitating public events and ensuring the smooth functioning of everyday life. It is imperative that they prioritize the needs and rights of ordinary citizens over political or VIP considerations. Transparent policies, better communication, and a proactive approach to managing public events are essential to regain the trust of the public and restore faith in the authorities.
The time has come for the police department to introspect and reconsider its approach to roadblocks for processions and VIP movement. The general public deserves to be heard and respected. By creating designated spaces for public events, implementing efficient traffic management strategies, and considering the needs of ordinary citizens, we can build a society where the smooth flow of traffic and the right to freedom of movement are not compromised for the sake of political or VIP interests.
It is high time the police department takes meaningful action and works towards a system that respects the rights and convenience of the public, ensuring that no individual misses important engagements or suffers due to arbitrary roadblocks. Only then can we truly claim to be a society that values the principles of democracy, equality, and the well-being of its citizens?
The movable yellow barriers have become an instrument of power in the hands of the police. You’ll find them placed “to regulate” the traffic wherever they please abandoning their active duties. Add to it their presence when their leaders & bosses are expected to come to the place you want to go to. They’ll push you around, humiliate you & prevent you from parking in the usual or even legitimate parking places stating that the SP/his family is to come & the place is “reserved” to maintain peace, law & order. If you ask them, they say move first, go elsewhere etc. As a senior citizen I go out only when absolutely necessary but have been blocked several times. Sometimes, Ive even had to return with doing what I’d set out to do finding it too stressful to go and find a nearby parking place…
NB: the info supplied under the RTI is only “the tip of the iceberg” There are dozens of unrecorded roadblocks being carried out every hour of the day depending on who is passing through or wants “reserved” Parking place