Varanasi Cops Face Shake-up Over Performance

In Varanasi, Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal initiated a significant administrative action on Saturday by reassigning three police station in-charges to police lines. This move stemmed from their perceived inadequate performance in maintaining law and order, controlling crime, and managing traffic.

The commissioner also revamped the Special Operations Group-2 (SOG-2). This reconstituted unit is now tasked with confronting challenges posed by gamblers and operators of sex rackets. The aim is to create a more focused and effective approach to these specific criminal activities.

During a monthly crime review, Inspector Dilip Kumar Mishra (Chowk) and Inspector Dayaram (Rajatalab) were transferred to police lines. Inspector Rajiv Kumar Singh was also moved from Phulpur to police lines pending his transfer out of the district. Several other inspectors and sub-inspectors were shuffled between police stations and units, including Manduadih, Phulpur, Chetganj, Lohta, Ramna, Rohania, and the media cell. At the ACP level, Apoorv Pandey moved to Cyber Crime, and Pragya Pathak was assigned to Cantt.

Commissioner Agrawal issued directives for daily public hearings, prompt response to official communications, and courteous behavior from officers. He emphasized zero tolerance for crimes against women, swift FIR registration, and complete resolution of robbery and chain-snatching cases. The new SOG-2, under SI Pankaj Singh Chauhan, will target gambling, betting, prostitution, illegal hookah bars, and drug sales, with SHOs held accountable for local criminals' offenses elsewhere. The CP also highlighted the importance of recovering funds in cyber fraud cases, clearing encroachments, conducting foot patrols, and ensuring continuous CCTV surveillance both within police stations and at public and educational institutions.