Dehradun, January 2025 – A recent incident of harassment involving a student at Paltan Bazar has prompted the district administration and local police to take decisive measures to enhance safety in the area. To monitor and prevent criminal activities, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Singh visited the market on Tuesday to assess the functionality of the 22 newly installed CCTV cameras. His visit aims to ensure that the upgraded surveillance system is operating effectively, thereby creating a safer environment for both residents and visitors.

During his inspection, SSP Singh evaluated the positioning and quality of the cameras and directed the officer in charge at the city police station to allocate dedicated personnel for continuous monitoring of the live feeds. He underscored the necessity for immediate interventions, including the use of loudspeakers to alert offenders and identify them for further investigation if required. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to mitigate safety concerns, particularly in response to the recent increase in harassment incidents.

Previous Safety Measures and Visits by SSP and DM

Previously, District Magistrate (DM) Savin Bansal and SSP Ajay Singh had conducted a visit to Paltan Bazar to address issues related to public safety. During this visit, they articulated the need for enhanced surveillance in the area and directed the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic locations. Supported by the district administration, the installation of 22 cameras was finalized, and a central control room was established at the city police station to monitor the surveillance.

Paltan Bazar, typically bustling with shoppers from Dehradun and surrounding regions of Uttarakhand, has become increasingly susceptible to security challenges. From thefts to harassment, the high volume of foot traffic creates an environment conducive to such crimes, which local authorities have been striving to manage effectively.

Harassment Incident Triggers Public Outcry

The demand for stricter security measures intensified following a distressing harassment incident in September 2024. A student shopping at Paltan Bazar was reportedly molested by a salesman under the guise of assisting her with shoe selections. The occurrence incited public uproar, with shopkeepers closing their stores in protest and demonstrating solidarity with the victim. The Muslim community also participated in the protests, expressing their concerns regarding the safety of women in the marketplace.

In response to this public outcry, SSP Ajay Singh launched an immediate investigation, initiating a verification campaign to identify and address the presence of suspicious individuals within the market.

The authorities took swift action, arresting the accused and assuring the public that such incidents would not go unpunished. Furthermore, District Magistrate Savin Bansal called for the establishment of "pink booths"—dedicated spaces where women could seek help if harassed—and advocated for more surveillance to deter future incidents.

Strategic Deployment of CCTV Cameras Across the Market

The newly installed CCTV cameras are strategically placed at key points throughout Paltan Bazar to cover areas that have witnessed criminal activities in the past. The cameras have been installed at the following locations:

Ghantaghar (Clock Tower) – 4 cameras

CNI Chowk – 4 cameras

Machhi Bazar – 2 cameras

Kotwali Cut – 1 camera

Moti Bazar Cut – 1 camera

Sabzi Mandi – 1 camera

Jhanda Chowk – 1 camera

Tehsil Chowk – 1 camera

Dispensary Road – 1 camera

Ghosi Gali – 1 camera

Ansari Market – 1 camera

Bindal Cut – 1 camera

National Juice Shop Area – 1 camera

Raja Road – 1 camera

Ansari Gate – 1 camera

These locations were specifically chosen based on their high foot traffic and previous reports of criminal activity, including thefts, pickpocketing, and instances of harassment.

Tackling Theft and Other Crimes

In addition to curbing harassment, the authorities are also focusing on rising thefts and snatching incidents, which have been a growing concern in the market. Recently, there were two notable theft incidents at Paltan Bazar and Machhi Bazar, where thieves broke into shops and stole goods worth significant amounts. The local police were able to apprehend the culprits after a thorough investigation, but the incidents highlighted the need for increased security.

With the new CCTV system in place, the police are hopeful that incidents of theft and other crimes will decrease. The constant monitoring will allow for the swift identification of offenders and ensure a quicker response from law enforcement, thus discouraging potential criminals from operating in the area. The presence of these cameras is expected to act as a strong deterrent, making it difficult for criminals to escape undetected.

Ongoing Initiatives for Safety and Order

The implementation of surveillance cameras is part of a larger, multifaceted approach to improving public safety in Paltan Bazar. The local police have also increased patrols in the area, particularly during peak shopping hours, when the market is busiest. They are working closely with local businesses to ensure that they adhere to safety protocols and cooperate with law enforcement.

Special attention will be given to high-traffic times, such as festivals and weekends, when the market sees an influx of people. In addition to physical surveillance, local authorities are encouraging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly.

A Safer Paltan Bazar: A Step Toward Progress

The actions taken by SSP Ajay Singh and DM Savin Bansal mark a significant step forward in creating a safer Paltan Bazar. By combining the power of technology with proactive law enforcement, the authorities hope to create a model of public safety that can be replicated in other parts of the city. Increased surveillance, combined with public cooperation and law enforcement efforts, will contribute to a safer environment for everyone in Paltan Bazar.

As the district administration continues to improve security measures, local residents, shopkeepers, and visitors can look forward to a more secure and orderly shopping experience. The message is clear: any criminal activity, be it harassment, theft, or snatching, will be swiftly dealt with, making Paltan Bazar a safer place for all.