It is hard to believe that A-one city like Kolkata is having villages within its area. We are not talking about virtual presence. But there is real and physical presence of village within Kolkata. Now a question must be brewing within yourself that how does it happen. It has been possible for the expansion of the city. The sprawling city now has been extended from Barrackpore, Barasat to Baruipur, Sonarpur. Yes, off course, this extension is according to Postal Index Number (PIN) but some areas in South 24 Parganas have been incorporated with the jurisdiction of Kolkata Police in recent years. As the case of Calcutta Leather Complex Police Station which was previously under the jurisdiction of West Bengal Police. But following rapid urbanization within this area, the state government has decided to hand over this police station to Kolkata Police. Accordingly Calcutta Leather Complex Police Station has been recently incorporated under Kolkata Police jurisdiction after following due procedures for transfer of charge.
Jurisdiction:
North: New Town, Rajarhat and Kashipur Police Station area under Baruipur Police District under West Bengal Police jurisdiction,
South: Sonarpur, Bhangar
East: Bhangar, Kashipur
West: Anandapur, Pragati Maidan
Area Prole: Close to Kolkata there has been a sharp contrast and co-existence of fast growing urban areas and villages. Four Gram Panchayat areas, three from Bhangar II block and one from Bhangar I block under the jurisdiction of this police station are typical villages. The area of Calcutta Leather Complex Police Station is 53.13 square k.m. However, a major portion of this area is wet land. Rapid urbanization is taking place at New Town, Rajarhat in northern part of this area where the second campuses of Presidency University, Jadavpore University, St. Xaviers University, IIT and many other renowned institutions are under construction. Except northern part, other parts are of mostly rural nature but with the changing time these areas too have been developing urban features with a moderate pace.
Challenges: Reducing road accident on Basanti Highway is the most important task for the police. After changeover in the jurisdiction, Kolkata Police personnel have also to be acquainted with the terrain and crime history of the new added area. They have also to change their mindset while dealing with the public a little bit according to situation. There has been a topographical change following rapid urbanization in some parts of this area and as a result the price of land is rising day by day. Crimes related to land sell, transfer and construction work are evident in this area. Controlling crimes are naturally another challenge for the police when most of the crimes are committed centering land disputes.
Policing: As Basanti Highway is very accident prone zone, there is round the clock patrol. Earlier Civic Volunteers used to assist a few WBP personnel for trafc management. Following the changeover of jurisdiction, reinforcement in strength will be made by Kolkata Police. Kiosks, synthetic speed breakers and Trafc Console Box have been installed for auto signaling have been set up on Basanti Highway. Illuminations have also been made. The personnel of this police station also patrol in various places during the night.
Although accidents on the Basanti Highway have already come down following certain measures adopted by the West Bengal Police before this jurisdictional change over, still infrastructural changes are required, said Sub-Inspector Chandrasekhar Ghosal, former Ofcer in Charge of earlier set up in this police station. Ghosal along with other personnel of the earlier set up have been directed to work on deputation for two years in Kolkata Police.
Trivia: Swarup Kanti Pahari, an ofcer of 1995 batch joined as Sub-Inspector in the Anti-Rowdy Section of Detective Department, Lalbazar. He was then transferred to the Anti-Terrorist Cell of Special Branch in 2005 and subsequently posted in the Anti-Burglary Squad of Detective Department in 2008 and was promoted to the Inspector rank and became Additional Ofcer-in Charge in Rajabagan in 2014. He was made Ofcer-in Charge of the Calcutta Leather complex on March 15, this year.
Ofcer speak: We are working as a team and always ready to render our best service towards the benet of the society. We are always vigilant for ensuring peace and public order in the area. We will urge citizens not to fear the goons but to come forward in assistance of the police. The ght against the crime is a collective effort.
Present Strength:
Inspector:1, Sub-inspector:8, Assistant Sub-Inspector:10, Constables:6, Civic Volunteer:40 and Village Police:120.
Address: Karaidanga, Bhojerhaat, Phone: 03218-278500
By Our Special Correspondent
