Date:30/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/30/stories/2008113053190400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Coastal police just on paper

Anil Kumar Sastry and M.T. Shiva Kumar

CSP does not have a single boat, depends on fishermen for information

20,000 vessels pass through the Arabian sea in a year
When it gets tip-off, CSP is unable to intercept vessels

BANGALORE: Even after a decade of its inception, the Karnataka Coastal Security Police (CSP) that is supposed to protect the State from extremist attacks through the sea, does not possess even a single seaworthy boat.

Lacking such basic facilities, the unit once headed by an officer of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) rank, is now headed by a Superintendent of Police (SP). Based in Udupi, the SP reports to the IGP (Western Range), Mangalore.

The fact that terrorists entered Mumbai by sea route has exposed the vulnerability of the 354-km coastline of Karnataka to terror attack. CSP was established as an independent unit in 1999. Even when an IGP was heading the unit, a transfer to this post was seen as punishment and few IPS officers remained in the post for long time. The main grouse of the officers used to be the acute lack of basic facilities at the headquarters or at stations.

Five police stations exist in Karwar, Kumta, Bhatkal, Malpe (Udupi) and Mangalore. Recently, the Belgaum police offered a boat fitted with petrol engine to CSP. However, officials are doubtful whether they will come back once they venture into the sea on this boat. Right from patrolling to apprehending accused persons, the CSP has to depend on the Coast Guard or the Customs Department in Karwar and Mangalore.

Lack of sufficient staff, life jackets, binoculars, sophisticated weapons, diving gears and vehicles to move around plague this unit.

One of the CSP officers said all the five stations are under-staffed and many do not have an inspector to head. Many constables who are posted to these stations do not even know swimming.

“Local fishermen are our major source of information. Since we don’t sail, we cannot get information from fishermen on sea. On many occasions, we missed out vital information,” he said.

The officer noted that though they get specific information about clandestine movement of vessels, they are not in a position to chase or intercept the vessels.

However, H.R. Bhagawan Das, SP, CSP, told The Hindu that the unit was managing the show by hiring boats from fishermen. He said CSP may get its own vessel by April 2009. The CSP has onerous responsibility as nearly 20,000 vessels pass through the Arabian Sea abutting the Karnataka coastline in a year, he added.

A senior police officer said the police force had become demoralised for political reasons.

“When even a Director-General of Police is not in a position to take action against a constable, how can the department deliver the goods,” the officer asked.