Abandoned buildings are safe haven for criminals

DHENKANAL: Several dilapidated buildings in the district, mostly doctors’ quarters declared unsafe by the Government, are now safe bet for unlawful activities. Liquor business and flesh trade flourish in these structures under the very nose of the police.  Sample this. Once a gathering place for several artistes of repute, Mihir Mandir was converted into doctors’ quarters by the Health department  and now this building at Ananda Bazar is a haven for law-breakers.  At present, the 105-year-old building nourishes a thriving illegal liquor business apart from flesh trade, after it was declared unsafe by the district administration and subsequently deserted by the boarders in 2003.  Similar is the condition of the dilapidated doctors’ quarter at Bajichowk municipal vegetable market. The building, apart from housing a gambling den, has an illegal liquor outlet as well.Most of the abandoned buildings in the district have a story to narrate. The deserted Government quarters in Badapandasahi and the Government relief storehouse near PWD office are the  examples.The lackadaisical attitude of the police in curbing the menace has boosted flesh trade in Kathagadasahi, Station Road, Hata Road and some parts of Anand Nagar.Hapless women, lured by middle-men with prospects of a lucrative job as housemaids are pushed into flesh trade.CDMO BC Behera said the government was urged to renovate Mihir Mandir and convert it into Sishu Bhavan followed by discussions with the authorities concerned. He also confirmed that various citizens’ forums had approached the then collector to renovate the building owing to its prime location.  Incidentally, all these buildings fall under the jurisdiction of Town police station.Seeking cooperation from the locals in tackling the situation, Town Police Station Inspector-in-Charge Umesh Gadnayak said efforts were on to nab the culprits.