This is the sentiment prevalent among the elderly in Saket, who are particularly disillusioned with the police. After a meeting the Residents' Welfare Association had with senior police officers including police Commissioner V N Singh, DCP P K Shrivastava and corporators, S Raina, a senior citizen, had this to say: ``A lot of suggestions had been put up but we did not get an encouraging reponse from them.''

Suggestions like the police patrol van signing a register with the chowkidaar were discussed to ensure that both the police patrol and the chowkidaar would be alert and co-ordinate effectively. Yet, the only suggestion that may see the light of day is that such interactive meetings be made a regular feature.

Repeated pleas to check encroachers and unauthorised colonies seem to be falling ondeaf ears. ``It is the police theory that it (the recent killing) was done by some denotified tribe but why are they not able to monitor it,'' asked another resident.

According to police, the increase in the number of encroachers and inhabitants is a political, not law and order problem.

Some blocks organised their own meetings to look at measures to tighten security as they fear they could be the next target.

The elderly seem to be in a strange dilemma. ``After these incidents one feels insecure but we have made the decision to live on our own because we want our own space. We have always had the option of staying with our children,'' said Dr Santosh Luthra, another 60 plus lady who lives alone.

Said another couple whose childern live abroad, ``A few years ago, when similar incidents took place, elderly couples living alone had been asked to go to the nearest police chowky and get their names listed so that special care could be taken of them. But that never took off because frankly, we are scared ofidentifying ourselves -- we do not even trust the police.''