The Hindu 18.01.2011
Councillors worried over lack of security
The murder of Banashankari Temple ward councillor Dewan Ali on Sunday
has sent shockwaves in the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)
council, highlighting the need for security measures in all its
buildings. The BBMP Council has several councillors with criminal
antecedents or those who are related to criminals. Hence, civic
officials are contemplating measures to restrict movement during Council
meetings.
Currently, the BBMP has no screening system in place
barring two metal detectors — one at the entrance of the council
building and another at the main building. “People coming in, including
councillors and their supporters, are not checked. Some are reported to
be even carrying weapons inside the council building. By having a better
screening system, we will be able to provide better security to the
councillors,” an official said.
Mayor’s letter
Mayor S.K. Nataraj had in fact written to Police
Commissioner Shankar M. Bidari soon after the council was sworn in and
requested additional security for the BBMP besides marshals. Though
there is additional police security during council meetings, the BBMP
itself has no other security in place.
Padmanabha Reddy, Janata Dal (S) Floor Leader in BBMP
Council, said security was crucial as many councillors had criminal
antecedents. He, however, underscored the need to amend the Karnataka
Municipal Corporations Act 1976 to ensure that such people are not
allowed to contest elections. “Until this is done and people are aware
of the pitfalls, the system will not improve,” he said.
Leader of Opposition M. Nagaraj maintained that BBMP was
a local government and it was important that security is tightened in
the civic authority’s offices. “Corporations in other metros, including
Mumbai and Delhi, have elaborate security. The Mayor and the
Commissioner must urge the police chief and meet Home Minister R. Ashok
if necessary,” he said.
Meanwhile, Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and
Order) Suneel Kumar said that no additional security cover has been
provided to the BBMP office in the wake of the murder. Normal bandobast
arrangements will continue and a decision will be taken to enhance
security, “depending on the situation”, he said.
