HYDERABAD: The state government is likely to show the green signal to the Cyberabad, Rachakonda and Hyderabad police to recruit homeguards to man Metro stations on the Nagole-Miyapur stretch. The stretch passes through 17 police stations and there is no clarity on who will look after the security outside the new stations. For the time being, the responsibility will fall on the local police. “The local police stations are already short staffed. For every Metro station we need 10 persons to work in shifts round the clock,” said a police official from Rachakonda.
Besides, there is also no clarity on who will be conducting the anti-sabotage checks and frisking operations. “Professionally-trained persons are required for the anti-sabotage checks. In all likelihood, the anti-sabotage team of the state police will be asked to take it up,” said a police official from the city security wing.
Mr A. Venkateswara Rao, deputy commissioner of police (west), said that they have no clear idea about Metro Rail security. “As of now, there is no clarity on who will register cases if any property offences take place or any untoward incident happens,” he said.
For setting up a police station, the government has to issue the order, which has to be acknowledged by courts. In the Rail-ways, the Government Railway Police (GRP) registers the cases and takes up the investigation, while the Railway Protection Force (RPF) protects railway properties. On MMTS trains, the GRP has posted homeguards and the anti-sabotage checks are conducted by the RPF and the local police. A final decision will be taken up by the government after Mr S. P Singh, chief secretary, holds a meeting with officials of Metro. The meeting may take place after new DGP Mr.M Mahendar Reddy takes charge.
