The brutal rape and assault of an eight-year-old girl in Outer Delhi’s Kirari brings Aman Vihar police station back in focus.
From murder-cum-rape of an NGO employee on her way home to a serial rapist strangulating and raping over 30 children, some of the most sensational crimes have been reported here.
With strength of just 140, a little over half the ideal number, these police personnel are responsible for the safety and security of a population of seven lakh.
But, the biggest challenge for them is the vast area they have to patrol. With an area of 24 sq km, this is among the largest police stations in the city, but is patrolled by less than 100 policemen in all.
“There is an urgent need to create more police stations in this region. Take Kirari for example. Despite being a constituency, the area does not have a police station of its own,” says Pratyush Kanth, a Congress leader from the area. “To even register an FIR, our people have to visit Aman Vihar PS that is located several kilometres away in another constituency Bawana,” says Kanth, adding that the little presence of policemen has led Kirari to become a safe hideout for notorious criminals.
Routine affair
Locals allege abductions and rapes are a common affair. “There are occasions when we do not come across a policeman in our area for days. Drug addicts fearlessly go about teasing our girls even in broad daylight,” says Reeta Devi, a local.
Figures over the last five months show that five rapes and seven molestation cases are reported every month at Aman Vihar police station.
With only about 20 women personnel deployed at the police station, there are occasions when complaints of sexual abuse are probed by male police personnel.
Figures over the last 5 months show 5 rapes, 7 molestation cases are reported every month here
