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Picture for representational purpose As heavy floods hit Sangli, Police Constable Shubhangi Mulik was caught in a dilemma — whether to save her house or help thousands of victims. And like

Mulik, most officers in the flood-hit areas of Maharashtra opted for the latter. Ever since Sangli, Satara, Kolhapur and Solapur have been hit by the floods, the entire police force has

risked their lives to save thousands of flood victims, but the Sangli team went beyond the call of duty and came to the aid of the local people where the National Disaster Response Force

(NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) failed. Houses of nearly 240 policemen, including SP Suhail Sharma, were damaged in the deluge. "People were disturbed, so the force put

themselves in danger and carried out the rescue operation," said Sharma, adding, "We carried out the operation by taking help from the local youth." He also said that they had

procured boats to move the victims to a safer place. Speaking about the damage to her home, Mulik said, "Our families were constantly calling us, but we did not stop till we had

rescued each civilian. When I reached my house, I could barely recognise it. There was just water all over the place." "Our families were shifted to safer places by the people from

the neighbourhood, just like we were saving others," added Mulik. The disaster also posed concerns for the family members of the policemen. "On one hand, the water was entering

our houses, and on the other hand, we were worried about our kin being stationed on-duty," said Sameer Yalwar, father of one of the policemen. Meanwhile, though the water has receded,

dirt and mud remain in its wake. "When we see the victims being rescued safely, our chests swell with pride as due to our family members, they were able to see another day," said

the kin of a police officer. Now, SP Sharma has recommended to the higher authorities that brave police officers be honoured with a gallantry award for their heroism. "When the NDRF

team had not even arrived, the policemen had left their families alone and risked their lives to save other people and they are still engaged in relief work. They should get proper

respect," said Sharma. HEROIC DEED * Houses of nearly 240 policemen have been damaged due to floods   * The Sangli team went beyond the call of duty and came to the aid of the local

people where the NDRF and SDRF failed _ZEE MEDIA NEWSROOM_