Mysuru's North-East Gets Two New Police Stations to Curb Clashes
In a strategic move to bolster law and order, the Karnataka government has approved the bifurcation of the Udayagiri police station in Mysuru into two separate units: Udayagiri North and Udayagiri South. This decision targets the densely populated north-eastern region of the city, which has been a hotspot for frequent group clashes in recent months.
Enhanced Policing and Quicker Response Times
The primary objective of this split is to ensure more focused policing, better monitoring of sensitive areas, and quicker handling of complaints across the jurisdiction. Residents are expected to benefit from easier access to police services, including faster registration of cases and more efficient follow-up on grievances.
Commissioner of Police Seema Latkar confirmed to TOI that a building has been identified for the Udayagiri North police station in Rajiv Nagar, and it will commence operations soon. The existing police station building will continue to function as Udayagiri South, ensuring uninterrupted services for residents in the southern part of the area.
Staffing Challenges and Manpower Requirements
Despite the approval for the new stations, a significant hurdle remains: the government has yet to sanction additional staff for the Udayagiri North police station. K S Sundar Raj, DCP (crime and traffic), highlighted that a full-fledged police station requires a minimum of 80 personnel, including:
- One inspector
- Four sub-inspectors
- Eight assistant sub-inspectors
- Approximately 20 head constables
- Nearly 60 constables
Police sources emphasize that manpower allocation is crucial for the success of this bifurcation. Without adequate personnel for round-the-clock duties, the effectiveness of the new arrangement may be limited until staffing improves.
Impact on Mysuru's Police Infrastructure
With this bifurcation, Udayagiri North will become the 19th police station in Mysuru city. The city's police network already includes exclusive units for women, cybercrime, and economic offences, along with five traffic police stations. The boundaries for the two new police station limits have been clearly demarcated to streamline operations and reduce jurisdictional overlaps.
This initiative reflects the state government's commitment to addressing public safety concerns in volatile urban areas, though its full potential hinges on resolving staffing shortages promptly.