Only 145 SIs against 305 posts in Aurangabad

Aurangabad: The Aurangabad police is facing severe manpower shortage, besides apparent chinks in training and sensitisation. While 20 out of 29 police stations of the district are Maoist-hit, police force is struggling without personnel.
Incidentally, the district has adequate number of DSPs and inspector-level officers, but the number of sub-inspectors (SIs) and assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs), who work at the ground level, is much below the sanctioned strength.
According to sources, while there is a sanctioned strength of 305 SIs, in reality, there are a mere 145, less than half of the boots that should be on ground. Hence, their work hours are stretched - forcing them to virtually live in police stations or chowkis.
A police officer on the condition of anonymity said the SIs are overburdened. "Shortage of SIs has hit supervision work. Generally one SI has to supervise four to five cases. But here each of them are supervising 10 to 20 cases and under this condition quick disposal of cases become difficult," added the officer.
Similarly, against the sanctioned strength of 221 ASIs, only 140 have been deputed. An SHO posted in a Maoist-hit police station said, "We do not have enough manpower. How can we expect to tackle Maoists and maintain law and order at the same time?" he said. SP Satyaprakash said he prefers to perform his best with the available strength.