Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Oct 14: Only a few of the checkposts have been functioning on Karnataka-Kerala border. The people, however, are of the view that permanent checkposts have to be established on every road connecting the border with Kerala towards minimising smuggling and other crimes.

Even though the police have been doing their best to stop illegal activities at the district border, crimes continue to happen as all the roads do not have checkposts. The police stations are normally located in towns and they are located about 10 to 15 km away from the borders. Some criminals make use of this opportunity and commit crimes by concentrating on these areas for their activities. These criminals are likely to hide inside Kerala after which the police department is pressurised to crack the cases.

There are more than 19 connecting roads from Dakshina Kannada and Kerala and official checkposts of the police department are located only at two places, Talapady and Saradka checkposts are needed for three roads leaving from Ullal, four from Sullia, and six each from Vittal and Puttur rural.

Serial thefts at Adyanadka town, robbery at Kuddupadavu petrol bunk, robbery at journalist's house at Vittal etc have remained unresolved even after years. Although the police have succeeded in regulating crimes at Kanyana and Peruvai they face the challenge of keeping a daily vigil on these places.

The department has to increase the staff strength in tune with increased population. By establishing permanent checkposts, the staff get an opportunity to be at one place, and nearby villages get added security. The staff of police stations then can concentrate on their work.

President of an organization Ramanna Shetty Palige asserts that permanent checkposts are very much needed to stop smuggling. Police circle inspector at Bantwal T D Nagaraj says that checkposts which are established during elections or after unwarranted incidents happen but are closed thereafter. He agrees that there are many cases in which people from outside come into the district, indulge in crimes happening within Vittal station limits, and go back. He says such things can be managed in an efficient and effective way if permanent check posts are provided at main roads.