Salute to our police officers!

By Sanjeeb Kumar Sahoo

Gautam Budh Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh distributing winter jacket to class IV employees

It has become a common practice to critisise police officers these days, irrespective of the kind of work they do. Before forming an opinion, those finding fault with police personnel must understand they are for the citizens’ benefits and a few incidents here and there should not be used to malign the image of the whole department.

Latest editorial of #NationalPoliticalMirror, which is #India's only weekly political publication, which came out on #Jan22, 2023. A new issue comes out every week. @sanjaychapps1 Sir @Uppolice @CP_Noida
Mrs Laxmi Singh ma'am , @DCP_Noida Harish Chander Sir , @coprajaneesh Sir. pic.twitter.com/OgXlfaPt4j

— Sanjeeb Kumar Sahoo, Journalist By Birth. (@SanjDeep7) January 31, 2023

I find it appalling when people criticise the police without understanding the facts, just because they have some perceived notion against them.

DCP Ram Badan Singh handing over a cheque to Sweety’s father Shivnandan

To those who lambast the police no matter what, I would like to highlight some significant and outstanding work done by our Police Commissionerate in Gautam Buddh Nagar towards the service of the people.

In one of the most heartwarming stories that I came across recently, Gautam Buddh Nagar Police, led by new police chief Laxmi Singh, handed over Rs 10 Lakh to a girl named Sweety Kumari. A student, Sweety was hit by an unidentified vehicle under Thana Beta-2 area on December 31, 2022. She was undergoing treatment at Kailash Hospital, Noida. What makes it more humane is that the police officers of CP Noida forgo a day’s salary to help Sweety get better treatment in the hospital. Besides, Laxmi Singh also gave Rs 1 lakh to the family members of Sweety in her personal capacity.

DCP Harish Chander distributing blanket to small kid in Noida

IPS Laxmi Singh, Uttar Pradesh’s first female commissioner, who assumed her position as police commissioner of Gautam Buddh Nagar only recently, is known for helping people.

A DD of Rs 10 Lakh collected from a day’s salary of Gautam Budh Nagar policemen and Rs 1 lakh was handed over to the aggrieved family personally by the Police Commissioner.

ACP-1 Rajnish Verma distributing blankets to poor in city

I have also come across two other Noida police officers who have been working tirelessly for the city’s residents. DCP Harish Chander and ACP-1 Rajnish Verma are helpful cops who are always willing to assist those in need. Recently, an elderly woman with a problem visited the office of ACP Rajneesh Verma, and the manner in which he made her at ease and addressed her problem left me with a massive respect for the officer. “Beta bhagwan aapko dher sari tarakki de,” said the old woman blessing ACP Verma.

I would like to say that if I have the chance in the future, I will like to write more detailed articles about the Noida Police, its energetic officers, and the police in other states.

I personally feel it is our responsibility to respect these officers for what they do as they are not performing a job but doing a service to the society.

Note: On January 22, 2023, this piece was originally printed in a weekly magazine.