THANE, Dec. 7 -- A recent spike in crime has intensified the long-standing demands for a separate police station in Diva. Despite having a population of over 500,000, the area continues to be served only by a police chowki under the Mumbra Police Station, staffed with just seven police officers. The issue gained renewed urgency this week after a 20-year-old was stabbed to death by a group of youngsters in the crowded Diva market on Monday over a year-old dispute. The murder has strengthened calls for a full-fledged police station to improve law enforcement and emergency response. Although the government sanctioned a police station for Diva a few years ago, its construction has been stalled due to the lack of suitable government land. For major offences, residents are forced to travel 10km-14km to Mumbra. The route includes an isolated 2 km stretch passing a dumping ground and a creek, areas where criminal activity has been reported in the past. Locals say this exposes victims to the risk of being targeted again while travelling to file a complaint. The Mumbra Police Station's jurisdiction currently stretches from Retibunder in Kalwa to Shilphata and up to Agasan in Diva. A delegation of locals and Shiv Sena-UBT leaders Sachin Patil and Rohidas Munde met senior police officials this week, demanding the immediate construction of the proposed Diva police station. Munde said, "Due to the lack of adequate police presence, crimes like theft, murder and lawlessness are rising." Mumbra police station senior inspector Anil Shinde said, "The population of Diva has increased and maintaining law and order has become an added load for our team. A full-fledged police station dedicated to Diva will help reduce crime," he said....