SAS Nagar, September 3: Newly appointed Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Varun Sharma, IPS, on Wednesday announced a zero-tolerance policy towards gangsters, extortion networks and organised crime, asserting that criminal syndicates operating in SAS Nagar would be dealt with firmly.
Addressing the media during his maiden press briefing after assuming charge of the district, Sharma said eliminating organised crime and ensuring the safety of citizens would be among his top priorities. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister of Punjab and Director General of Police, Punjab, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the district police force.
The SSP said Mohali Police would step up night domination operations to keep a close watch on street crime and suspicious activity. Strategic static and mobile checkpoints would be intensified, while the visibility of Dial 112 Emergency Response Vehicles would also be increased to ensure quick intervention during emergencies and incidents of street violence.
Emphasising the need for accessible policing, Sharma said he would personally hear public grievances during fixed office hours. Citizens, he said, should come forward with information relating to drug peddlers, criminal elements, cyber fraud and domestic violence.
He assured that such complaints would be dealt with within a time-bound framework, stressing that public cooperation would be crucial in strengthening the district’s policing system.
The SSP also announced greater engagement with Market Associations, Trader Associations and Resident Welfare Associations to identify local security concerns and resolve issues at the grassroots level.
Given SAS Nagar’s strategic position within the Tricity, Sharma said traffic management would receive particular attention during protests, sit-ins and demonstrations. He said the police would adopt a proactive approach to ensure that traffic movement remained smooth and that ambulances, school vehicles and other essential services were not obstructed.
On strengthening police deployment, Sharma said a comprehensive manpower audit would be undertaken in accordance with the directions of the state authorities. Police personnel currently engaged in non-core duties would be systematically reassessed and, wherever possible, redeployed to frontline policing.
The new SSP was accorded a warm welcome by senior police officers, including SP (City) Dilpreet Singh, SP (H) Navreet Singh Virk and SP (Investigation) Sourav Jindal. He was also presented a traditional Guard of Honour by a police contingent.
