M’luru: 60-yo for whom Bunder police stn is her home, police personnel her relatives

Team Udayavani, Mar 17, 2021, 4:32 PM IST

Mangaluru: We often come across stories of police brutalities which in turn makes people reluctant to approach the cops for help. However, this story of a 60-year-old woman, whose address happens to be Mangaluru North police station, is likely to change our perception towards police.

Honamma, as she has been named by the police personnel, has become a part of their family since being found homeless at Mangalore railway station here around 40 years ago.

Realizing that the woman was deaf and mute and as there was no trace of her relatives, the then police personnel had given shelter to Honamma at the station itself which now has become her home. Notably, all her documents such as Aadhar card, voter ID card and bank accounts bear the Bunder police station address as her address of communication. A room adjoining the police station has been turned into a house for Honamma who has been working at the police station itself for a living.

Initially, Honamma used to do cleaning work at the station but having developed leg ache issues because of her age she has been assigned to do minor chores at the station.

Honamma has over the years familiarised herself with everyone at the station and communicates effectively with the personnel with hand-sign language. The police treat her as one of their own and recently she was even seen participating in a program organised by the police commissioner for the police personnel.

It is not uncommon to see the police share their meals with her or gift her sari on any special occasion. They even take care of her whenever she is admitted to the hospital due to any ailment.

Bunder Police Inspector Govindraju speaking to Udayavani said that several inspectors have been deputed, transferred from the station but Honamma has been here since last 40 years. We are all emotionally very attached to her and she is familiar with all aspects of our station.