Bouncers in demand for poll events

 HYDERABAD: The upcoming elections, to the Assembly later this year and to the Lok Sabha next year, have brought about a noticeable demand for bouncers with political parties and candidates seeking to bolster their security cover, especially during campaigning.

G. Shankar, managing director of Sri Renuka Security Services, which caters to this segment, told Deccan Chronicle, “We are receiving a significant number of bookings for bouncers, ranging from 10 to 15 every day, in Hyderabad alone. Currently, we have a team of 500 bouncers. Meanwhile, we are providing training to the newly-recruited bouncers. The training is categorised into armed and unarmed techniques and it is handled by a specialised team from the air force.”

Bouncers should master wrestling, karate, and martial arts and maintain specific body measurements —chest 48 inches, arms 24 inches, forearms 52 inches and thigh 65 inches. Their diet is managed by proven dieticians.

Khalid, a bouncer from Golconda, told this correspondent, "We are responsible for the security of politicians, celebrities and VVIPs, who hire us. We employ crowd management techniques without resorting to highhanded measures like jostling or violent means. We apply pressure points to temporarily restrain individuals without causing any harm, whatsoever."

Another bouncer stated, "The adage appearances can be deceptive fits us. Many people assume that our hefty physical build implies that we are violent by nature. Guests fear approaching us during events. The fact of the matter is that our training emphasizes on use of non-violent methods.”

Politician Mahesh Goud said “We want our rallies to be peaceful and focused on discussing our vision for the city. Hiring bouncers is a way to maintain discipline and ensure that everyone feels secure at our events.”

A celebrity from the city said “Bouncers play a crucial role in protecting public figures. I value their expertise and professionalism in handling any untoward situation.”