Vandalisation at the Vijayanagar metro station by MLA M Krishnappa’s supporters has exposed chinks in security apparatus at metro stations. The incident has forced the BMRCL and city police to make concerted efforts to ensure security and law and order in and around the BMRCL facilities.
A senior BMRCL officer told Deccan Herald that an emergency meeting has been called on Monday to discuss the security-related aspects at metro stations, in view of the vandalisation at Vijayanagar station. BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola said that a decision would be taken on lodging a complaint against the MLA’s supporters. “We will also discuss about availing the services of the Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF) to guard metro stations,” he said.
The city police said that it was the primary responsibility of the BMRCL to ensure security at its facilities. The police also suggested that the KSISF was constituted for such purposes and the BMRCL could avail of its services.
The KSISF does not fall under the Bengaluru City Police Commissionerate and the city police will definitely ensure law and order in and around the BMRCL facilities, said the police. The police admitted that the security at the BMRCL facilities has assumed significance, though no untoward incident had been reported at such facilities till now.
“The city police will not tolerate any efforts to disturb law and order at any place including metro stations. Stern action will be taken against those who created ruckus at Vijayangar metro police station,” City Police Commissioner N S Megharik said.
The city police are in consultations with the metro officials to have a proper security apparatus and regular security exercises. The security and law and order are inter-related issues and the city police will positively respond to any of the BMRCL’s demands, he said.
The top cop said that he had directed the subordinate officers to relocate Hoysala vehicles and patrolling to cover metro stations. The police have not made any arrests so far in connection with the vandalism and are contemplating suo motu action in case the BMRCL does not lodge a complaint.
Pradeep Singh Kharola, Managing Director, BMRCL: A decision will also be taken regarding lodging a complaint against the MLA’s supporters and seeking the assistance of the Karnataka State Industrial Security Force.
