Hosur: Even as the manpower-starved police are battling to bring down the crime rate, the industries in Hosur have resorted to hiring private security agencies for their security. Though this reduces the pressure on the Police Department, appointment of security personnel without verifying their antecedents and bona fides has now become a cause for concern.

There are about 35 private security agencies in and around Hosur with a strength of 15,000 personnel. Of them, some agencies operate from corporate offices in Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi and Mumbai.

Barring a few, there is no organised set up in a majority of the agencies. A few companies reportedly recruit security personnel without verifying their antecedents.

"As a result, several crime incidents were reported in industries in Hosur, Bagalur and Denkanikottai in the recent past, which were done with the connivance of the security personnel. From time to time, agencies ask entrepreneurs to hand over their house keys to known persons or standard agencies, but people need awareness in this regard," says president of Hosur Security Contractors Welfare Association, Captain (Retd), Mohan Kumar.

Industries in general go for security agencies from North Eastern states such as Orissa, Assam and Meghalaya without verifying their credentials. The agencies just have a branch office in Hosur that is maintained by a representative. In the event of any crime, identification of the person remains difficult, Mr. Mohan Kumar adds.

Along with this, the antecedents should be verified with the police and photographs, electors' identity cards and fingerprints should be obtained. They should be periodically shifted from one place to the other. Security agencies also need recognition. The Police Department should certify them, he says.

According to a senior police official, there are no laws governing private security agencies. With a few offices based in Bangalore, the police are not in touch with the management.

"If the security agencies come up with a request, we will oblige them."

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail