A major point of concern was the alleged installation of surveillance cameras near the women’s toilet gallery, which they demanded be removed.
There was a big demonstration at the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) training camp in Bichhiya, Gorakhpur, on Wednesday when approximately 600 trainee women constables complained vociferously about abysmal living conditions.
The agitation started only two days after training began on July 21. Trainees sat outside the centre, raising slogans and holding a sit-in, calling for immediate upliftment of basic amenities like drinking water, food, electricity, and bathing facilities.
The agitating women constables alleged that the facility is congested and poorly equipped. "While the campus can accommodate 360 trainees, almost 600 have been housed," one trainee alleged. Another said, "If Bichhiya was full, why were we brought here?"
In a video that surfaced online, a trainee testified, "When we have no water, no light, no fan, and we have to bathe outside, why did they even invite us here? The administration only abuses us rather than helping."
Some women further alleged mistreatment by officers when they raised complaints. A major point of concern was the alleged installation of surveillance cameras near the women’s toilet gallery, which they demanded be removed.
Senior officials, including PAC Commandant Anand Kumar and CO Deepanshi Rathore, arrived at the scene and held talks with the protesters. Following assurances that their grievances would be addressed, the women returned to the training centre.
Authorities have ordered a probe into the complaints raised. Temporary power disruption was the reason behind the water crisis, Additional Director General (ADG) Preetinder Singh said, adding that the matter had been subsequently redressed.
He further explained that "allegations of cameras in bathrooms were found baseless." However, he attested that a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) accused of uttering abusive language has been suspended.
The ADG made assurances that action will be taken against persons who are spreading rumours on social media and assured that work is ongoing to enhance the standards at the 26th Battalion PAC training centre.
There were no reports of injury or arrests during the protest.
