Murders of Ola cab CEO's kin: Residents seek better policing

Ludhiana: Even as many residents of Sher-e-Punjab Colony in Barewal -- where the double murder took place -- complained that cops on PCR duty hardly took rounds of the area, the demand is echoing across the city of patrolling by cops inside the colonies as well. Residents say this will ensure fear among criminals, as the patrolling will act as a deterrent, instilling confidence among them.
"The area's residents were soft targets for criminals, as PCR cops were hardly visible inside the colony, or even in Barewal. We had to pay a heavy price for this, as a double murder occurred in our area. We also fear for our lives, as the case has hit the confidence of the residents in the police," said Ram Pal, a resident. Not only residents of Barewal, but residents in other areas too have fear in their minds, as crime cases are on the rise in the city.
"It's not just about this double murder, but cases of thefts, snatching and loots are also on the rise. There is a need to reverse this trend and bring a sense of security among residents, which has been eroded due to such crimes," said Amandeep Singh, a software professional from Pakhowal Road. "That can only be done by the police. We demand that instead of standing in chowkis, the PCR cops -- especially on motorcycles -- should take at least one round of the colonies during the day as well as the night. This will help immensely in checking crime in the city, as criminals will think twice before carrying out any such incident."
Women working against anti-women crime say a multi-pronged strategy needs to be adopted to check crime in the city. "Already, Ludhiana has a very high rate of crime against women, which needs to be brought down, as women feel a sense of insecurity in the city. This will only happen through the joints efforts of both the police and the public.
Apart from patrolling inside colonies and interior areas, police should frequently call a meeting with the public, and seek their support in checking crime," said Savita Kalra, a women's rights activist.
Police authorities admitted that PCR cops could not patrol the Sher-e-Punjab Colony on the day of the double murder. "As rain had occurred that day, PCR cops on motorcycle could not make the area's rounds that day, but normally they do the patrolling. As the population of the city has increased, so has crime, but we have the same resources that we had many years ago. However, if there is a need to increase patrolling, we will do so," said Ludhiana police commissioner Paramraj Singh Umranangal.