Even a police station has no respite from encroachment

What if a law enforcement agency becomes the victim of a law violation? That is what people have been increasingly observing in the case of Radhakishorepur Police Station, more popularly known as RK Pur Police Station, in Udaipur.
Initially, a handful of vendors set up their stalls in front of the police station. The police overlooked it, feeling that it made no sense to create trouble for small vendors earning their livelihood through these stalls. However, what they did not anticipate was that it was just the beginning.
Today, around 15 to 20 temporary shops have gradually come up in front of the police station over the past year. For all practical purposes, it has become a full-fledged miniature market in front of one of the oldest police stations of the state. And, so far no action has been undertaken.
Locals in Udaipur claimed that the police station, located in the heart of the town, was once clearly visible but is now largely concealed by the temporary business establishments.
Sources also alleged that a fruit vendor has occupied a portion of the boundary wall of the police station and is using it for commercial purposes by setting up a wooden rack to store and display fruits.
Another source alleged that some personnel attached to the police station were facilitating the continued growth of the temporary market, resulting in an increase in the number of vendors operating in front of the premises. It was also alleged that parts of the government-owned boundary wall were being used for private business activities.
When contacted, an officer of the Radhakishorepur Police Station said the responsibility for addressing the issue rests with the Udaipur Municipal Council.
The development has raised questions among local residents about how temporary vendors have been allowed to continue operating in front of a key public institution despite the alleged encroachment.
Locals have urged the Director General of Police to intervene and ensure that appropriate action is taken to restore the front of the police station and remove the illegal occupants.