Panchkula Citizens Welfare Association raises concerns over spurt in crime
The Citizens’ Welfare Association (CWA) has issued a strong appeal to the Haryana Police and the state administration over the growing crime and deteriorating law and order situation in the city.
In a detailed press statement issued by CWA President SK Nayar, the association expressed grave concern over the spurt in snatching, burglary, robbery and theft cases across Panchkula. The residents, especially women and senior citizens, were living in a constant state of fear and vulnerability, according to the statement.
The association underlined that Panchkula, being the working capital of Haryana and a rapidly developing satellite township bordering Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Chandigarh, is under tremendous pressure due to inadequate policing.
Despite the increasing population, the strength of the police force remains woefully inadequate, with some police posts reportedly manned by as few as five to six personnel, and police stations operating with only 20, 30 officers—against the sanctioned strength of over 120.
While the city has seen the installation of around 470 surveillance cameras, the CWA pointed out that nearly 40 per cent of these remain non-functional, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of policing through technology.
The association criticised the abolition of the Sector 15 police post, calling it a “mockery” of public safety in a densely populated area of over 20,000 residents. It warned that the absence of a police post in such a locality leaves citizens highly vulnerable and gives criminals a free hand to operate and flee to adjoining states via the tri-city area.
CWA has urged the Director General of Police (DGP), Haryana, and other authorities, including the Chief Minister, Deputy Commissioner, and Commissioner of Police, Panchkula, to immediately deploy the long-overdue police force in the city.
The association also demanded the reinstatement of the Sector-15 police post, enhanced night patrolling, and dedicated border surveillance.
Highlighting the imbalance in force deployment due to the high VIP/VVIP presence in Panchkula, the CWA strongly recommended that a separate police unit be designated for VIP duties so that the regular force remains focused on law and order duties concerning the general public.
“After three to four decades of waiting, the people of Panchkula can no longer suffer the consequences of a neglected policing system. The need for prompt and decisive action is now more urgent than ever,” said Nayar.
Chandigarh