Not afraid of bullets, but dengue

Cops posted in Hinjewadi after terror threat say protection from rain, mosquitoes poor

Policemen who keep doing the round-the-clock nakabandi at the Hinjewadi IT hub say they are ready to look any danger in the face, but somebody should do something about a serious threat to them the monsoon has brought along with it.

The policemen fear they might contract dengue or malaria because of the poor conditions, while on duty.
The nakabandi was introduced after a bomb threat at the Hinjewadi IT district.

Long hours

Three policemen and four security guards work in two shifts to keep the check-post manned 24 hours a day.
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"The tent is not good enough to provide shelter to us in heavy rain.
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It can hold water out only for only half-an-hour, and then it starts pouring inside as well," said an official on night shift duty, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We get completely drenched."

Mosquitoes at large

Another policeman who is routinely on duty at Hinjewadi said the place where they are posted is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

"The area is not clean and because of the monsoon, mosquitoes are multiplying. We fear we might contract dengue or malaria," said the policeman.
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"The tent provided to us is the only shelter we have and we have to share it with the security personnel."

Policemen on duty said they had raised the matter of hygiene with the authorities but nothing had been done.
Dyneshwar Chavan, DCP Zone III, admitted the situation had been brought to his notice.
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"We are planning to set up a temporary shelter for them soon. In the meantime, the policemen should take proper precautions themselves," said Chavan. "They are grown-up and capable of taking care of themselves."

'Not a priority'

Chavan added there were other problems in the city that needed urgent attention and this was a petty matter.

Security at Hinjewadi was beefed up sometime in May following bomb threats. Checkpoints have been placed at various spots and vehicles are gone over at every point.

1.2 lakh
Number of IT professionals working in Hinjewadi IT district

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