The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Learning to live with frisking

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Tuesday, Aug 26, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Learning to live with frisking

Staff Reporter

Annoying yet inevitable is the metal detector at public places

Many feel the procedure is awkward
Security procedures leave many with bitter experience

–Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

Life in a metro: The door frame metal detector at shopping malls in the city has become commonplace.

HYDERABAD: Heightened security in city has become an important protocol, especially after last year’s twin blasts. However, when the concept of entering public spaces through Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMD) and frisking was introduced, youth accepted it gingerly. Today, though it has become a part of life, frisking is still taken with a pinch of salt.

For the young brigade, walking into a theatre or any other public place after being frisked by security guards has become something to put up with though not necessary What is most annoying for them is that the guards are downright rude when it comes to frisking.

Accepted lifestyle

“Frisking is accepted because there is awareness about terror strikes. But then, when a guard just hastily checks for metal objects, without any consent, it becomes annoying”, says Sunil Kumar Kunja, a young professional. “Though the whole procedure is a bit awkward, I feel that it is important and has become an accepted part in our lifestyle”, he adds.

Youngsters cite that the managements concerned should take proper care while securing the building and not leave any loop holes in the process.

“There have been many instances where I’ve gotten into malls without being checked. If one has an idea of the entrances, it is easier for them to go in without having being frisked. Though checking people is important, it is of no use”, says T. Anup Kumar, a student of Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology.

However, such security procedures have left some with bitter experiences. “After undergoing the security check, the guard shouted again and asked me to come back. People around the entrance looked at me as though I was carrying something dangerous. The situation was very embarrassing”, recalls Shilpa, a post-graduate student.

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