Businessmen's security in dire strait

They have been writhing under crimes like, extortion, abduction, and even killing, for a pretty long time. But the situation has turned critical with some owners of business establishments having beem murdered in the last two weeks or so. The businessmen cannot do anything against the well organised criminals on their own, as any attempt to seek legal aid invites further threats and intimidation. What are these beleaguered men supposed to do?

The home minister assured them, in a more or less routine manner, of security, but the inspector general of police did not sound that optimistic. He cited the limitations of the law enforcers which include the hardened criminals getting released on bail after being arrested. That brings us to the intricacies of the law, but there is no doubt that the crime situation has become bad enough for the police and the lower judiciary to respond rather vigorously to the challenge. Handing out of conviction to the criminals has become a dire need of the hour.

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Another point, a very important one at that, is the way the businessmen are sending SOS signals to the government. By threatening to stop paying taxes if the government fails to rein in the criminals, they have, in fact, expressed their no confidence in the law enforcement system. They have also appealed to the mobile operators to track down the criminals who are using the device to maintain links between themselves. Clearly, collective efforts are needed to combat this sort crime.

Finally, political will, particularly of ruling party is bound to prove crucial in bringing about the desired change in the situation. The government must be determined to weed out the criminals now posing a grave threat to trade and commerce. It must by deeds disprove the allegation, often brought by its own law enforcers, that political connections are keeping the criminals afloat. The administration has to make sure that the nexus factor, if any, is eliminated to rid society of a menace that is growing in size and strength -- much to the chagrin of productive and peace-loving people.