4 min readChandigarhJun 25, 2026 02:48 PM IST
First published on: Jun 25, 2026 at 02:48 PM IST
For hundreds of senior citizens spending their days alone behind locked doors in Panchkula, help may soon be a knock away. The Panchkula police have decided to step beyond their traditional law-enforcement role and become an “extended family” for elderly residents living by themselves.
“A special ‘Senior Citizen Adoption’ drive will begin, under which police personnel will regularly stay connected with elderly residents and keep a watch on their well-being,” Pankaj Nain, Panchkula Commissioner of Police, told The Indian Express on Thursday.
The drive, which will begin on Friday, aims to ensure that no senior citizen feels isolated or vulnerable during emergencies. As part of the initiative, over the next 15 days, the police will conduct a comprehensive survey and audit of all senior citizens living alone. Their details will be compiled into a central directory, enabling police to respond swiftly whenever assistance is required. Officials say the database will help identify vulnerable residents and ensure timely intervention during emergencies.
“Our beat staff will act as their extended family,” Nain said, underlining that the initiative is not just about policing but about ensuring dignity, security and companionship for senior citizens who often face the challenges of ageing alone.
Panchkula has a sizeable population of retired professionals, government officers and businesspersons who chose to settle in the city after retirement. Over the years, many of their children have moved abroad or relocated to metropolitan cities for education, employment and family commitments, leaving elderly parents to live independently.
While most seniors manage their daily lives comfortably, the absence of immediate family often makes them vulnerable during medical emergencies or cyber fraud. The police said that the new initiative will help bridge this gap by providing a dependable support system and regular human contact.
Helpline and senior citizens’ cell
Station house officers and beat officers will be directed to regularly visit senior citizens, check on their welfare, address their concerns, and provide support whenever needed. “The idea is to build trust and a personal connection so that elderly residents know whom to call when they need help,” a police statement said.
The police will encourage senior citizens to install CCTV cameras and other safety devices at their homes. Verification of domestic help, attendants, and household staff will also be undertaken to reduce the risk of crimes targeting the elderly.
A dedicated helpline and Senior Citizens Cell will also be established to provide prompt assistance. In addition, an annual gathering for senior citizens has been planned to promote social interaction and create a sense of community among the elderly.
Classes on ‘digital arrests’
The police have launched the ‘Senior Citizen Adoption’ drive after observing that elderly residents are increasingly becoming soft targets for cyber criminals and exploitation by domestic help.
This year, an elderly woman from Panchkula lost Rs 2.98 crore after cyber criminals impersonating CBI officials placed her under ‘digital arrest’. The police later arrested multiple accused in the case.
Recognising the growing threat of online scams, the drive will include awareness sessions on digital arrest fraud, forgery, and financial scams. The police will also educate seniors on identifying suspicious calls, messages and online transactions.
The Panchkula police have launched the ‘Senior Citizen Adoption’ drive after observing that elderly residents are becoming soft targets for cyber criminals and exploitation by domestic help. (Image generated using AI) 
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