Kerala - Kochi   

Police to strengthen marine wing

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: The Police have decided to strengthen Kerala Marines, its marine wing, as part of preparing the city for major changes like the proposed Vallarpadom Container Transshipment Terminal.

Special drives are being conducted along the coastal belt in the light of the construction boom there. As many as 40 persons were arrested reportedly in connection with various cases, which include theft from worksites and ships anchored off the coast.

This was informed by City Police Commissioner P. Vijayan at a function organised in his office to present rewards to four members of the Kerala Marines who had arrested two persons of a four-member group in a daring operation during the early hours of Tuesday. Sub-Inspector K. Suresh Raj, Head Constable M. Naushad, and police constables Siadu E.S. and P.R. Sajith Kumar reportedly chased the group involved in stealing construction material from a worksite.

On being pursued, two of the accused jumped into the water and the policemen followed. Those arrested were identified as Ali, known as Kuruttu Ali, and Ashraf, known as Pottan Ashraf, both from Mattanchery. However, all of them got stuck in the mud.

Fire and Rescue Service personnel had to be brought in for rescuing both the accused and the policemen."The special drive has been initiated after complaints by builders," Mr. Vijayan said.

This is also an attempt to pre-empt evolution of criminal atmosphere before the start of full-fledged port activities.

The Director General of Police had recently visited some sites identified for constructing a base station for the Kerala Marines.

The wing was functioning from a temporary shed near the Customs Jetty. However, they had to shift to the old Fort Kochi police station after the temporary structure came down owing to heavy rain. Discussions have also been initiated with builders of ship-type vessels.

A vessel will be purchased for the force soon, Mr. Vijayan said. Right now, the force has two speedboats and one fishing-type vessel. The bigger vessel is being purchased to enable movement of personnel in high seas.

The jurisdiction of the force will be up to 12 nautical miles off the coast. Attempts are also being made to increase the coordination between different agencies like the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, CISF personnel attached to the Cochin Port Trust, Mr. Vijayan said.

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