Local Journalism Success Story

Plight of Policemen: Sacrifices Unheard, Lives Unseen

In an interview with Sub-Inspector ABC from one of the Police Station in Bengaluru, the grim reality of the challenges faced by policemen on a daily basis came to light. As we delved into the issues, both on a broader scale and the personal struggles of Sub-Inspector ABC, it became evident that these unsung heroes endure immense hardships in their line of duty.

Working tirelessly to serve and protect the community, policemen find themselves grappling with exhausting work hours. Sub-Inspector ABC revealed that they endure 13-14 hour shifts every day, without any weekends off. Despite their unwavering commitment, the wages they receive fail to reflect the workload they shoulder, with no extra compensation for working overtime.

The lack of manpower in the police sector also significantly impacts the efficiency of the working officers. With limited resources and increasing responsibilities, the burden on individual officers becomes overwhelming, affecting their well-being and performance.

Moreover, the prohibition on forming a Police Union leaves the officers without a collective voice to address their grievances. There is a profound sense of helplessness as they struggle without support and an outlet to express their concerns.

One of the distressing aspects is the geographical separation from their families. Policemen like ABC are often posted kilometers away from their loved ones. He, himself, resides 500 kilometers away from his family, unable to spend quality time with his children due to the long working hours and absence of holidays. Policemen posted far from their families lack provisions to relocate them to the city of their postings, further deepening the sense of isolation.

The toll on family life has been evident, with an increase in divorces among police families over the years. The lack of personal time and government-provided amenities for families adds strain to the officers' already demanding lives.

Despite dedicating their lives to the service of the nation and putting their families' well-being on the line, the policemen feel unaided by the government. The lack of constitutional provisions and support from authorities leaves them vulnerable and disheartened.

Sub-Inspector ABC's poignant question resonates deeply, "How can we provide justice to people when we ourselves are not getting justice? Are we not also citizens of this country, entitled to basic rights?"

The narratives of policemen often go unheard and misunderstood, leading to an unfair portrayal in society. Their sacrifices and readiness to go above and beyond for the nation are overshadowed by the challenges they face. Despite being heroes in their own right, they are often depicted as villains.

In conclusion, the plight of policemen is an unseen struggle that requires urgent attention and support. It is imperative for society and the government to recognize and acknowledge their sacrifices. Policemen deserve fair wages, proper working conditions, and the right to express their concerns collectively. Only then can we ensure that these brave souls continue to serve the nation with the utmost dedication.

As we go about our daily lives, let us not forget the sacrifices of these unsung heroes who work selflessly to protect us all. Let us stand together and ensure that they receive the justice and support they truly deserve. For it is only when we truly understand and empathize with their struggles that we can create a brighter and safer future for our nation.

*the original name of the sub-inspector and the name of the police station is concealed due to privacy reasons.