Yahya Hallare

Daijiworld Media Network –Bhatkal (EP)

Bhatkal, May 10: Bhatkal, known as the communally sensitive area, always requires extra security to maintain law and order situations. Locals have always expressed their displeasure regarding security situation here as unpleasant instances such as throwing of meat to the abode of deity, fights by miscreants and theft cases have increased in the locality. Therefore the move to install CCTVs around the market and other important places in the city was viewed as a welcome move to strengthen security.

However the CCTVs installed around city spending several lacs have been made redundant at present.

The then DySP of Bhatkal, N Narayan had taken the initiative to install CCTVs to put an end to cattle trafficking, group friction, gherao to police stations and most importantly to identify the miscreants. The help of generous donors was sought to install some of the CCTVs. Some businessmen and organizations came forward to bear the cost of CCTVs.

But the subject was neglected after Narayan’s transfer. When the present SP in Mandya, Sudheer Kumar Reddy was Bhatkal ASP, the matter came for discussion again. Finally six CCTVs were installed.

However nobody took the initiative for their maintenance. Therefore, the CCTVs were made to work only for a short while. As Captain Ayyappa was assigned the post of DySP, the matter of CCTVs could be heard among the police again. 13 CCTVs were bought with help from local people during the final days of his service here.

The CCTVs were installed at Hoovina Chauka, Samshuddin Circle, old bus stand, Mysore Cafe, Mutton market cross, police station cross, Musba Ali road, Mohammed Ali road. Not only the police but the people too were satisfied with them. Later Captain Ayyappa got transferred. CCTVs were forgotten. Nobody seems to be happy about them anymore. Nobody knows when the CCTVs except two near the Circle have lost contact with the police station. Their maintenance has remained a secret. The CCTVs installed in the shops have to also look after the security of pedestrians.

The CCTVs that are remembered only during fares have remained as empty boxes in the market. The technicians are called only when there are celebrations or noise in the market. If not the situation remains the same.

There are also allegations that the CCTVs are tampered with purposely. People have urged that senior officials look into them.

Mubashir Hallare, a local resident, says that police ask to install CCTVs in shops, mosques and temples. “But nobody looks after the working condition of CCTVs installed by police. Officials, along with locals should be more vigilant in its maintenance.”