Accountability in Action: Shivam Gupta’s RTI Challenge to the Mirzapur Police

In a vibrant democracy, the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005 serves as a vital bridge between the governed and the governors. It is a tool designed to pierce the veil of administrative secrecy and ensure that public servants remain exactly that—servants of the public. Recently, a significant RTI application was filed by Shivam Gupta, a resident of Lohandi Road, Mirzapur, directed toward the Superintendent of Police Office, Mirzapur.

The application, registered under number SPMZR/R/2025/60074, is more than just a request for data; it is a formal demand for accountability regarding alleged institutional rot within the Lalganj Police Station.

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The Core Grievance: Land Mafia and Local Nexus

The heart of Gupta’s application lies in a serious allegation: the unchecked rise of land mafia activities in the Lalganj jurisdiction. Lalganj, recognized as one of the more socio-economically backward regions of the Mirzapur district, often suffers from a lack of vocal advocacy. Gupta alleges that this silence has emboldened a “nexus” between local criminals and police personnel.

The applicant contends that many officers have remained stationed at the same posts or chowkies for extended periods, leading to familiarity and potential corruption. By filing this RTI, Gupta seeks to test the transparency of the department and uncover whether the police are actively working to protect the public or merely maintaining the status quo for the benefit of influential land grabbers.

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Breaking Down the RTI: Seven Pillars of Inquiry

The information sought in this application is strategically designed to audit the operational and financial health of the Lalganj Police Station. Here is a breakdown of the specific points raised:

1. Crime Statistics and Preventive Actions

Gupta has requested the specific numbers of N.C.R. (Non-Cognizable Reports) and F.I.R.s (First Information Reports) registered in the current financial year. Crucially, he has asked for the count of cases involving Sections 107/116/151 of the Cr.P.C. (now corresponding to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita – BNSS). These sections relate to preventive detention and the maintenance of peace; a low number here could suggest a lack of proactive policing against known troublemakers.

2. Resource Management: Fuel and Electricity

Points 2 and 7 of the RTI focus on fiscal transparency. The applicant has requested the figures for:

• Fuel expenses (Petrol and Diesel) for the financial years 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24.
• Electricity bills for the same period, including the current financial year.By analyzing these figures, one can determine if government resources are being utilized efficiently for patrolling and official duties or if there is a discrepancy in expenditure.

3. The Tenure of Personnel

A major theme of the complaint is the long-term stay of officers. To address this, Gupta has requested:

• The joining dates and C.U.G. (Closed User Group) mobile numbers of the Station House Officer (SHO).
• The names, joining dates, and posting details of all Sub-Inspectors, Chowki In-charges, and Constables currently at the station.This data is intended to verify the “nexus” theory—if the majority of the force has exceeded standard transfer timelines, it validates the concern regarding over-familiarity with local elements.

4. Infrastructure Maintenance

Point 6 asks for the details of funds spent on painting and whitewashing the station over the last five years. While seemingly minor, infrastructure funds are often areas where small-scale financial irregularities occur. A clean station on paper must match the reality on the ground.

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The Significance of the Request

This RTI is a textbook example of how a “literate” and “active” citizen can use the law to monitor state institutions. Lalganj’s status as a “backward area” often means that its citizens are less likely to file formal complaints for fear of retribution or lack of awareness. By asking for hard data (dates, mobile numbers, and expenditure figures), Shivam Gupta is moving beyond hearsay and asking for the “beginning of the information sector” to ensure justice.

The PIO (Public Information Officer) named in the request is Om Prakash Singh (ASP Operation). Under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act, the department is legally bound to provide this information within 30 days.

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Why Transparency Matters in Policing

The police department is the primary face of the state’s authority. When that authority is compromised by corruption or stagnation, the rule of law collapses.

• Preventing Corruption: Regular rotation of officers prevents the formation of “local interests.”
• Financial Integrity: Public funds for fuel and maintenance must be accounted for to ensure every rupee helps in maintaining law and order.
• Public Trust: When the police are transparent about their activities and personnel, it builds trust with the community, encouraging more people to report crimes without fear.

Conclusion

The outcome of RTI Request SPMZR/R/2025/60074 will be a litmus test for the Mirzapur Police. Will the department provide the detailed, point-wise information requested, or will it take refuge in bureaucratic delays? For Shivam Gupta and the residents of Lalganj, these seven points represent the difference between a police force that serves the mafia and one that serves the people.

Transparency is not just a policy; it is the strongest deterrent against the “nexus” of crime and authority. We await the response from the Office of the Superintendent of Police to see how they uphold the spirit of the Right to Information Act.

To help you track and communicate with the authorities regarding your RTI application, here are the detailed credentials and digital links for the Superintendent of Police Office, Mirzapur, and the relevant oversight bodies.

1. Concerned Public Authority Details

These are the primary contacts for your application as per official records and the RTI filing:

• Public Authority: Superintendent of Police Office, Mirzapur
• PIO Name: Shri Om Prakash Singh (ASP Operation)
• Mobile: 9125608556
• Email: aspopmzp@gmail.com / asp-op.mi@up.gov.in
• Nodal Officer: Om Prakash Singh
• Address: Office of the Superintendent of Police, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh – 231001

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2. High-Level Police Administration (Mirzapur)

If you do not receive a response within 30 days, you may need to contact these senior officials or address your First Appeal to them:

Name	Designation	Mobile / CUG	Email
Shri Somen Barma (IPS)	Superintendent of Police (SP)	9454400299	spmzr-up@nic.in
Shri Rakesh Prakash Singh	DIG Vindhyachal Range	9454400215	digrmir@nic.in
Shri Nitesh Singh	Addl. SP (City)	9454401104	asp-city.mi@up.gov.in
Shri Amar Bahadur	CO Lalganj (Circle Officer)	9454401592	co-lalganj.mi@up.gov.in

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3. Essential Web Links

Use these portals to track your status or file further appeals:

• RTI Status Tracking (UP Government):https://rtionline.up.gov.in/
  • Note: Use your Registration Number SPMZR/R/2025/60074 and the mobile number provided at the time of filing.
• UP Police Official Directory: https://uppolice.gov.in/
• Mirzapur District Police Page: https://mirzapur.nic.in/divisions/police-contact-details/
• UP State Information Commission (For 2nd Appeal): http://upsic.gov.in/

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4. Summary of Your Application ID

Registration Number: SPMZR/R/2025/60074

Date of Filing: 26/03/2025

Status: RTI Request Received (As of March 2025)

Next Steps for You

1. Wait for 30 Days: The PIO is legally required to respond by April 25, 2025.
2. Save Digital Copies: Keep a screenshot of the “RTI Request Received” status for your records.
3. Check Email Regularly: Official communications or requests for additional fees (for photocopies of documents) will be sent to shivamgupta9307215205@gmail.com.

Would you like me to draft a formal reminder letter to the ASP Operation in case there is no update after two weeks?