A lesson in compassion from men in khaki

Balussery police adopt two financially backward girls

Efforts made by the Balussery police to adopt two village girls who were abandoned by their parents have won State-level attention with the State Police Chief seeking to explore the possibility of taking up such a project by the police across the State.

Balussery Circle Inspector K. Sushir, who volunteered for the compassionate initiative under the community policing scheme, said it was a proud moment for all the 50 policemen at the station who wholeheartedly cooperated to pilot an innovative project in their village.

“We came across the story of the two hapless girls when they came to us to lodge a petition. When we enquired more about them, we found that the situation was pathetic and both of them were struggling to pursue their studies,” said Mr. Sushir. Later, we decided to adopt them and selected two civil police officers, including a woman, as their caretakers, he said.

Now, the elder one is pursuing her degree course at the Malabar Christian College with the support of the police. The younger one has also secured admission for a certificate course at the Government ITI, Malikkadavu. Every month, the 50 police personnel at the station contribute a fixed sum from their salary to meet the academic and personal expenses of the two girls. Also, they have opened a separate account for them to receive contributions from sponsors.

“We are sure that the Statewide rollout of the scheme will create a new trend in the society. There are a lot of students who deserve such a patronage, where the police can contribute more than that of any other citizen,” said Mr. Sushir. He also pointed out that the presence of police in such humanitarian activities would double the security feeling and self-esteem of such people.

Police sources said the Balussery-model would be considered for State-level implementation after studying the already implemented project under the leadership of Additional Director General of Police B. Sandhya. “An appreciation letter sent by State Police Chief Loknath Behera to the Balussery police has already made references on it,” they said.