Police station doubles up as LPG distribution centre in Rohtas

Sasaram: In an unusual move, the district police set up an LPG distribution counter inside the Kochas police station premises, sparking discussion among local residents.

The counter was set up at the police station after consumers near Gangwaliya forest along the Sasaram-Chausa road in Kochas under the same police station of Rohtas district, accused staff of HP gas agency of irregularities and arbitrary practices in cylinder distribution. Agitated by the alleged mismanagement, a large number of consumers staged a protest and blocked the main road on Wednesday.

On receiving information, police officials reached the spot, restored order, and seized a truck loaded with LPG cylinders from the agency, bringing it to the Kochas police station. Initially, the crowd dispersed, but by evening, news spread that LPG distribution would take place on the police station premises.

This led to a surge of consumers arriving with their empty cylinders, forming long queues along the road. The heavy turnout caused traffic congestion, with vehicular movement disrupted for nearly two hours.

Consumers alleged that prior to the commencement of distribution, some cylinders were set aside for personal use by officials. Subsequently, in the presence of supply officer Surbhi Raj, the SHO, and agency staff, the formal distribution process began inside the Kochas police station.





However, the limited space within the premises led to further chaos and congestion. Many consumers said had the distribution been conducted on the block office premises, such traffic issues could have been avoided. Despite the distribution continuing till late night, several consumers were unable to get cylinders as stocks were exhausted.

Residents also reported that the deployment of police personnel for distribution led to traffic congestion near Mahatma Gandhi Chowk, where vehicles remained stranded for hours.

Meanwhile, SDPO Kumar Vaibhav said the distribution at the Kochas police station was carried out on the instructions of the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), Sasaram. The SDPO said allegations regarding police personnel reserving cylinders for personal use have been taken seriously and are currently under investigation.
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