Police Station Transforms into LPG Distribution Center in Sasaram
In a highly unusual development, the district police in Sasaram, Rohtas district, established an LPG distribution counter within the premises of the Kochas police station. This move has ignited widespread discussion and concern among local residents, highlighting issues with gas cylinder supply in the area.
Protests Lead to Police Intervention
The situation unfolded when consumers residing near the Gangwaliya forest along the Sasaram-Chausa road in Kochas accused staff of an HP gas agency of engaging in irregularities and arbitrary practices in cylinder distribution. Frustrated by the alleged mismanagement, a large group of agitated consumers staged a protest and blocked the main road on Wednesday.
Upon receiving information, police officials swiftly arrived at the scene, restored order, and seized a truck loaded with LPG cylinders from the agency. The truck was subsequently brought to the Kochas police station. Initially, the crowd dispersed, but by evening, word spread that LPG distribution would be conducted directly on the police station premises.
Chaos and Congestion Ensue
This announcement triggered a massive surge of consumers arriving with their empty cylinders, forming extensive queues along the road. The heavy turnout resulted in significant traffic congestion, with vehicular movement disrupted for nearly two hours. Many consumers expressed that if the distribution had been held at the block office premises instead, such traffic issues might have been avoided.
Further complications arose when consumers alleged that prior to the official start of distribution, some cylinders were set aside for personal use by officials. The formal distribution process eventually commenced inside the Kochas police station in the presence of supply officer Surbhi Raj, the Station House Officer (SHO), and agency staff. However, the limited space within the police station premises led to additional chaos and congestion.
Despite the distribution continuing until late at night, several consumers were unable to obtain cylinders as stocks were exhausted. Residents also reported that the deployment of police personnel for the distribution exacerbated traffic congestion near Mahatma Gandhi Chowk, where vehicles remained stranded for hours.
Official Response and Investigation
In response to the incident, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Kumar Vaibhav stated that the distribution at the Kochas police station was carried out on the instructions of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Sasaram. He emphasized that allegations regarding police personnel reserving cylinders for personal use have been taken seriously and are currently under investigation to ensure transparency and accountability.
This event underscores the challenges in LPG supply management in rural areas and raises questions about the role of law enforcement in such civic matters. The investigation outcomes are awaited to address the grievances of the affected consumers.
