The service of GRP (Government Railway Police) is badly hit owing to shortage of manpower. As a result, there is inordinate delay in disposing of cases relating to unnatural deaths either due to rail accidents or suicides.
Reports said that due to staff crunch, the GRP is not able to work in a full-fledged manner; consequently the kin of the deceased continue to suffer. Notably, the jurisdiction of Baleswar GRP is from LaxmannathRoad to Ranital spanning from Rupsa to Bangriposhi and Badampahadto Tata Nagar. Having such a vast area under its jurisdiction and two outposts, one at Jaleswar and another at Baripada, the GRP here has a tough time delivering its service.
Reports further said that while the GRP Baleswar is supposed to have one Inspector, two SIs, five ASIs, three Havildars and 17 constables, now the post of Inspector is lying vacant and the responsibility is managed by one Sub Inspector. Similarly, against five ASI posts, only one ASI is currently in the station. Besides, the posts of Havildars and constables too are lying vacant. Similarly, the staff position against the sanctioned strength in the two outposts (fandis) under it is also no better.
Notably, over 325 cases of unnatural deaths occurred under the jurisdiction of the Baleswar GRP within a span of three and a half years. And on Tuesday, four cases of unnatural deaths, either due to accidents or suicides, were seen at different places under its jurisdiction. Out of the four cases while two of them could be identified, the identities of the rest two are yet to be established. In-charge of GRP Balrswat Karan Marndi said the higher-ups have been apprised about the staff position and difficulties faced by the GRP in Baleswar.