Cuttack, April 5: Police urged senior citizens to be extra cautious while signing property related agreements.
Fresh guidelines for the safety of senior citizens were issued at an interface with the elderly at the Saheed Bhavan here today.
Senior police officials issued the advisory in the wake of several incidents of fraud, especially the land related deals, in the twin cities.
An official said five to six senior citizens had become the victims of fraud after being lured to sign power of attorneys for the sale of their properties in the twin cities in past one year. Besides, few others ended up filing civil suits to vacate their tenants as they had signed no agreement.
The senior citizens, on the other hand, have proposed setting up of dedicated cells to resolve their basic grievances. "Though nodal officers have been appointed at all the police stations, we have proposed setting up of a dedicated cell for the senior citizens where they can lodge their complaints with greater ease," said Bidanasi resident Baidhar Das, 65.
At present, there are over 2,600 registered senior citizens in Cuttack and the police had received over 532 applications for enrolment by the end of February.
The senior citizens associations' has lauded the ongoing drive against unscrupulous people, who try to hoodwink them. They also demanded a strict vigil on the collection of forcible donations during the festive season that begins from September.
"At times, we do not feel safe while commuting on the streets due to the frequent chain-snatching incidents. We want adequate patrolling during the morning and night hours in various parts of the city," said Kesharpur resident Biswamohan Das.
Police commissioner Y.B. Khurania assured them of all possible assistance for their security and immediate redress of all their grievances. "Though there is a vacancy of nearly 60 per cent for the post of sub-inspectors, we are trying our best to give better policing to the residents of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack," said Khurania.
Khurania said that around 500 constables would shortly be appointed to carry out basic jobs at the police stations.
