by Prof Bhushan Manchanda
We must all recognize and be grateful for the continual contributions of Security Guards working in the gated communities and colonies as also in various other locations such as
Malls and markets, offices, businesses such as Banks, ATMs and many more.
These Security guards are not only often the first line of defense against natural disasters like heavy rains, fires, robberies, violence and other problems, but can also provide a friendly face and welcoming gesture in time of need.
On 8 Oct the police had taken into custody two women below the age of 30 years after a purported video of them manhandling a private security guard of Ajnara Homes society in Sector 121, Noida went viral. The women, who were allegedly drunk at the time of the incident, were furious at the guard for delaying the entry of their car, which did not have the society sticker on it. These women were arrested and later granted bail. The video of the incident had gone viral.
On 30 Aug, the Gurugram Police had filed an FIR against a man for allegedly slapping security guards who rescued him after he was trapped in an elevator in a Gurugram building. The Gurugram Police has booked the accused under Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Gurugram Sec 50 Police Station. The incident was caught on CCTV and has gone viral on social media, with many denouncing the man for behaving disrespectfully and insensitively towards the guards.
These industrious and hardworking men are far away from their home states, are poorly paid and made to work for long hours without adequate holidays, Weekly offs and Medical facilities. Our community residents are sometimes put in high-risk situations as they encounter criminals engaged in theft, trespassing and other criminal activities. In this scenario, the Security Guards are our first line of defense. What’s more, these security guards offer a peace of mind by finding your lost car key or ID that fell out of your pocket, or when they are carrying your packages or luggage.
So, the next time your path crosses one of these unsung heroes at the Colony gates or elsewhere, considers speaking to them courteously. And, remember, these Security Guards not only deserve our respect and gratitude but it doesn’t hurt to appreciate their work and thank them off and on.
