Kochi: Metro police station in fix

Kochi: The launch of a dedicated police station to deal with various offences in metro stations and trains is getting delayed inordinately despite the 2500- square feet building near CUSAT metro station at Kalamassery getting ready months back.

Speculation is rife that a confusion between the two departments on who will pay salary to the police officials assigned in metro police station has delayed the opening of the station. The cabinet had sanctioned 29 posts including those of one CI, three sub-inspectors, six ASIs, six head constables, ten constables, one part-time sweeper and a driver as part of formation of the force. It includes 13 women personnel. City police commissioner M.P. Dinesh had in June promised to open the police station "within three weeks" when the renovation works of the building got over saying that they were waiting for a date from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to do the inauguration.

However, KMRL managing director A.P.M.  Mohammed Hanish told DC that there were no confusions on the payment of salaries.  “Both KMRL and the home department have no issues in paying salary to them. If KMRL is giving the salary, the government is ready to reimburse the amount," he said.

Serious incidents including flood and relief works have delayed the inauguration, he said, adding the inaugural date of the new facility would be finalised based on the convenience of the Chief Minister. “The station is all set to commence its operation. We are waiting for a nod from the chief minister's office for inauguration,” he said.

The inaugural function will be a grand ceremony as the Metro Police is first of such thing in the state.