Balasore: The outrageous terrorist attack on an Army base in Uri sector of Kashmir has jolted awake the police to scurry for security cover across the state with the DGP issuing a directive in this regard.
However, security along the 81-km long coast in Balasore, which has important defence establishments, appears to be lax and vulnerable to lurking dangers from terrorists, considering the miserable situation in all the three marine police stations in the district,
according to a report.
In 2008, the state government initiated expeditious steps to tighten security along the coastline by setting up marine police stations following instructions from the Central government in the wake of the brutal terrorist attacks on Mumbai November 26.
Marine police stations were set up at Talsari under Bhograi block, Bahabalpur under Sadar block and Chandipur.
These police stations are now plagued by shortage of staff and adequate infrastructure. Questions are being raised on how these ill-equipped marine police stations can check infiltration bid via water routes.
Though several years have passed since its establishment, the Talsari marine police station has not been provided boats despite the fact that chances of Bangladeshi infiltration into the area is high as Talsari shares borders with West Bengal.
The lack of boats has handicapped the marine police who find it difficult to conduct patrolling and maintain a 24-hour vigil on the sea.
Similar is the case with Bahabalpur marine police station, which has also not been equipped with boats. Besides, in the absence of an IIC at the police station, Basta IIC Krushna Chandra Palei has been entrusted with additional charge.
Chandipur marine police station assumes a lot of importance considering that the Integrated Test Range of DRDO is situated there. However, with two of the three boats lying defunct for a long time, police fail to carry out patrolling.
Chittaranjan Nayak, IIC of Chandipur marine police station, said the higher-ups have been apprised of the need for repair of boats.
Talsari marine police station IIC Sarat Chandra Giri and Palei have also drawn the attention of higher authorities towards the shortage of boats, but to no avail.
Balasore superintendent of police Niti Sekhar admitted that only one boat is operating along the long coast, but in case of necessity private boats are hired.
Chandipur police station IIC Rajendra Das said in view of security, police take quick action on suspicious elements if seen around the ITR. PNN