ASI emerges as ‘lifeline’ for needy at city bus stop

Ranchi: A hard taskmaster while tackling criminals, assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Abhishek Kumar has earned a different reputation at Khadgarha bus station: a ‘go-to man’ for people in distress.Posted at a police outpost inside one of state’s busiest bus stations, Kumar has, in just two months, become a familiar face for passengers, homeless people and daily wagers who seek help. Colleagues said he routinely works beyond his call of duty, stepping in with food, protection and practical support.A recent case involved a poor couple from Bihar travelling to Maharashtra for work. The couple were stranded for two days without food last month. Kumar, moving around in civil dress, spotted them and asked about their condition. He arranged food for them and gave money to buy slippers and other essentials. He also facilitated boarding of a bus to Jamshedpur so they could catch a train for their onward journey.With the bus stand serving as a refuge for many homeless people trying to earn a livelihood, Kumar also focuses on safety at night. He has instructed guards on night duty to ensure women daily wagers spending nights at the stand “do not face any problem”.Recently, he initiated steps for the treatment of half a dozen disabled people at the bus stand with the help of generous citizens. He also works proactively to rescue children from trafficking with the child welfare committee. In April, two children, aged 15 and 17, from Gumla district were rescued by him at the bus stand.On the enforcement front, Kumar played an important role in arrest of three members of the Rahul Singh gang, an organised crime group involved in extortion and firing in Ranchi, from Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh in Feb.ADG (CID) Manoj Kaushik felicitated Kumar on June 1 for his dedication to duty and social work. SP (city) Paras Rana said, “It is the duty of police to help the needy. Abhishek helps victims while performing various tasks.”Kumar said, “I follow the Jharkhand police logo ‘Sewa he lakshya’ (service is the target).”