Non-availability of land delays Visakhapatnam police projects

Visakhapatnam: The city police force aim of fighting and controlling incidents of crime is hit by funds crunch as well as non-availability of land to launch these projects.

The police force has a list of major projects like tourism police station, cyber crime forensic lab and traffic training institute for Vizag Police Commissionerate for prevention and detection of crimes. The plans, however, are yet to start though several meetings were held to discuss the projects. The police felt that funds crunch and identification of suitable land for the projects are the reasons for the delay.

The AP government issued a Government Order in 2015 for setting up the full-fledged Cyber Crime Police Station and a cyber forensic lab in Vizag city to deal the cyber crimes in the state but the cyber crime police station is yet to start. Though the number of cyber crimes has been rising alarmingly in Vizag and other cities in the state, the government has not released any funds so far for the infrastructure.

Similarly, the proposed exclusive tourism police station in Vizag city meant for protection of tourists has not taken up and there is no progress in the traffic training institute.

DCP (crime) T. Ravi Kumar Murthy said that their teams have been struggling to solve the rising cyber crimes due to lack of dedicated police station and cyber forensic lab in Andhra Pradesh. Cyber crimes require more technology and time to establish, he added.

A senior police officer on condition of anonymity said the government has not sanctioned or released funds for the much needed projects in Vizag city in spite of their repeated requests. The home department has been blaming the finance department delaying in release of funds for the projects. Though Vizag is poised to smart city tag, city police has still ill-equipped in terms of man-power, latest equipment and few others.