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Poor security leads to plunder of Alappuzha port

By Our Staff Reporter

ALAPPUZHA DEC. 20. The neglect of the Alappuzha port by the authorities and the absence of a proper security system have led to the plunder of the equipment at the port.

The iron beams and costly wood of the bridge have been stolen. At present, only the scaffold of the bridge remains. The two cranes fixed at the end of the bridge have also been dismantled and removed by criminal gangs.

According to Salim Pulimoottil, general secretary of the town unit of Jana Sakthi, the iron implements of the port had been stolen and sold to scrap dealers.

He said the police were yet to arrest the culprits behind the theft of copper cable of the bridge seven years ago. Though two officials had been suspended two years ago in connection with the theft of the copper covering of the signal mast at the port, the investigations had failed to bring to book the real culprits, he said.

As many as 10 sandalwood trees had been felled by thieves from the port office premises two years back.

Mr. Salim pointed out that three watchers who had been appointed by the PSC at the port had opted for other places fearing attack by armed robbers.

At present, a casual worker appointed on daily-wage basis was in charge of security at the port.

Besides, the police aid post on the beach lacked basic facilities.

Hence, the policemen on duty on the beach returned by night, Mr. Salim said. He demanded immediate steps to protect the property of the port, which is of historic importance to the town.

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