Posting details of Drummond Ganj Police personnel has raised significant concerns among the local community, particularly regarding their accountability and efficiency in responding to public inquiries.
Additionally, the poor response to the Right to Information (RTI) application filed by residents further highlights the lack of transparency and the apparent bureaucratic hurdles that citizens face when seeking information about their safety and law enforcement practices.
This situation not only undermines public trust in the police department but also emphasizes the urgent need for reforms to improve communication between law enforcement and the community they serve.

Frustration Mounts as UP Police Fumbles RTI Application, Grievance Highlights Lack of Transparency

Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh – A routine inquiry for information has escalated into a formal grievance, revealing deeper issues within the local governance system. This situation exposes a worrying lack of transparency and accountability within the Drummond Ganj police station, which is supposed to serve as a pillar of support for the community.
The complaint, meticulously filed by Sadhana Tiwari, underscores not only the frustrating hurdles citizens can face when seeking basic information from public authorities, but also reflects a broader pattern of negligence and inefficiency that hinders the public’s right to access essential services and information.
Such experiences can erode trust between the citizens and law enforcement, leading to a sense of alienation and doubt regarding the efficacy of those meant to uphold the law and serve the community’s needs.

An Unanswered Quest for Information

The issue began on November 21, 2024, when Ms. Tiwari filed a Right to Information (RTI) request, aiming to shed light on the transparency and accountability of public services. The inquiry number is SPMZR/R/2024/60220.
She was seeking straightforward details about the functioning of the Drummond Ganj police station in Mirzapur, which has been an area of concern for many locals due to recent incidents reported in the media.
Her question was comprehensive, asking for not only specifics on the various processes undertaken by the police in handling complaints and investigations but also the time frames in which these duties are typically performed.
Additionally, she inquired about the protocols in place for community engagement and information dissemination, indicating her interest in understanding how effectively the police serve and communicate with the residents of Mirzapur.

• Crime Statistics: The number of Non-Cognizable Reports (NCR) and First Information Reports (FIR) are registered in the current financial year. Additionally, the number of preventive actions taken under the Criminal Procedure Code is provided.
• Financial Records: Details on fuel expenses (petrol and diesel) for the financial years 2021-24. This includes funds spent on painting and whitewashing over the last five years. Additionally, it covers electricity bill expenses for 2021-24.
• Personnel Details: Posting details and official C.U.G. mobile numbers for the Station House Officer (SHO), all sub-inspectors, and police constables, including their joining dates in the district.

The inquiry was specific. Each point clearly mentioned the Drummond Ganj police station. Yet, the first response was a blatant deflection of responsibility.

A Bureaucratic Shuffle

The Station House Officer of Drummond Ganj made a perplexing move dated December 11, 2024, which not only baffled Ms. Tiwari but also raised eyebrows in the local community. He declared that the requested information was “not due from the local police station,” leaving many citizens questioning the transparency and accountability of their local law enforcement.
He suggested instead that this critical information should be obtained from the Police Headquarters in Mirzapur, an assertion that seemed to shift responsibility away from his own station. This unexpected response prompted Ms. Tiwari to file a grievance on December 19, 2024, as she felt compelled to challenge this dismissal of her concerns.
In her grievance, she questioned how “incompetent personnel who can’t understand the contents of the grievances” could possibly hold key administrative posts within the police force. Her query went beyond mere frustration; it struck at the heart of public trust in law enforcement. She rightly pointed out the absurdity of the SHO’s claim when every query she raised was directly related to his own station, raising crucial questions about the effectiveness and responsiveness of those tasked with ensuring safety and justice in their community.

The grievance, registered as GOVUP/E/2024/0093166 forwarded online to the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The document highlights the SHO’s effort to evade transparency and accountability.

A Partial and Delayed Response

After the grievance, the matter, concerned escalated. On December 26, 2024, the Superintendent of Police’s office transferred the RTI application. PIO in office of SP Mirzapur sent it to the Circle Officer of Lalganj for necessary action. Then, on January 1, 2025, the Public Information Officer at the Superintendent’s office compiled a more detailed reply. It was a point-by-point response.

This updated response provided much of the earlier withheld information:

• Crime Data: 51 NCRs, 64 FIRs, and 240 preventive reports, registered in the current financial year.
• Fuel Expenses: Details were provided for the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24. It is noticeable that the Drummond Ganj police station, established on September 9, 2022.
• Personnel Information: The name and C.U.G. number of the current Inspector-in-charge, Arvind Saroj, were provided. A detailed list of sub-inspectors and constables with their dates of joining the station and the district also included.

Still, for two key financial points, the response remained evasive. The query about painting and whitewashing costs received a “Nil” response. For the electricity bills, the reply was startling.

The Lingering Question of Accountability

The official response directed Ms. Tiwari to seek information on electricity bills from the Electricity Distribution Division of Mirzapur. This reply, which was deemed “Poor” by the complainant, left her feeling frustrated and disillusioned with the system designed to serve the public.
In her rating remarks, Ms. Tiwari raised a critical and logical point: “The Department of police consumes electricity. The fact that its information will be provided by the Department of electricity is a matter of concern and confusion.” This raises broader questions about the accountability and transparency of both departments.
How can civilians confidently navigate their queries when the lines between departments blur, leaving them unsure about whom to approach for specific information?

Furthermore, her concerns underscore a significant communication gap that must be addressed to ensure that citizens receive prompt, accurate, and coherent responses regarding essential services like electricity.

She questioned whether the police department receives electricity free of cost. The police department is responsible for monitoring consumption and paying the bills. Their refusal to give the data clearly sidesteps accountability.

The grievance, now marked as “Case closed” as of January 3, 2025. But, the final remarks and the unresolved issue of the electricity expenses leave significant questions unanswered. The case serves as a stark example of the challenges citizens face in obtaining public information. Even a direct inquiry, one should order to meet with bureaucratic runarounds. There is also a puzzling reluctance to reveal basic operational expenses.

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