The Times of India            28.12.2013   

Vadodara Municipal Corporation claims theft damages from security agency

VADODARA: Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has decided to claim damages amounting to Rs 20 lakh from a security agency in the city. The damages have been slapped on the agency in the wake of repeated thefts at the Atladara hotmix plant and store of the civic body.

The security agency has been in the dock since a sandalwood tree theft at Kamatibaug in July. VMC had then decided to recover over Rs 9 lakh from the agency.

But soon after this, thefts took place at the Atladara facility and equipment was stolen from there. The first theft took place on August 25 when around 10 persons bolted with equipment from the plant in broad daylight. This was followed by another incident between September 5 and September 7 when more equipment was stolen from the place.

A missive form the VMC's director (encroachment removal and security) had raised the issue of the thefts with the agency in September itself and sought damages worth Rs 7.7 lakh. But when the VMC started the process of procuring the stolen parts in November, it transpired that these would cost around Rs 18.3 lakh.

In wake of the situation, the director shot another letter to the agency stating that the agency will have to bear losses as well as a fine amounting Rs 20 lakh. The amount would be deducted from the bill of the agency.