Security unchecked Premium

Several private security agencies are found to flout norms, deploy physically unfit and untrained personnel in guard duties, risking the lives and securities of all stakeholders

While the security provided by police and other government law enforcement agencies is limited to a few in society, private security agencies fill the void and aid any person or entity in need. Whether in industries, shops and establishments, banking organisations, educational institutions and other smaller setups like ATMs, private agencies provide security regardless.

The guards provided by private security agencies are relied upon for the security they assure to provide round the clock.

However, the brutal murders of two private security guards by two minor boys here last week have sent a shock wave across the State. Both the deceased guards are aged above 65 years and were attacked when they were asleep on duty. The incidents have also exposed many irregularities on the part of private security agencies as well. 

The accused boys, nearly 18 years old, attacked and murdered Sriram Krupanidhi, a retired constable, and one Bathula Sambasiva Rao around 2 am to 3 am on March 1. It was found that there was no resistance or retaliation from the guards when attacked and it was revealed in the investigation that the deceased could not even resist or blow a whistle to raise the alarm. Forget about providing security to the shops, they were in no position to protect themselves, the police say. 

The two accused went on to attack and injure three more people in the city, vandalise private shops, break the locks and try to steal private properties. The police, in a swift action, took the accused into custody within 24 hours and produced them in court with the available evidence. The accused are now in remand. 

The lack of proper security measures and vigil by the security guards at the Government General Hospital, Vijayawada was pointed out when a woman was sexually assaulted within the hospital premises in April last year. Soon after the assault was reported, the contract with the security agency concerned was cancelled by the government.

However, the incident brought to light the lapses on the part of the private security agencies. In this incident, GV Man Power, owned by Gudipalli Venkateswara Rao, hired a retired constable who was murdered on duty, guarding a two-wheeler showroom.