KOZHIKODE: The delay in appointments in the police department allegedly over a tiff between two sections has affected the daily affairs of the force. In Kozhikode city limits alone, nearly 50 posts of sub inspectors and 30 ASIs are lying vacant, putting extra pressure on the officers in charge of law and order, traffic and other important duties. Due to the delay, key functions including the Janamaithri police had to be curtailed in some of the key stations, said sources inside the department. The last appointments were made in the city limit two months ago, when six sub-inspectors were appointed.
“There was a tiff between the officials of the armed reserve camp and the battalions over promotions. When a solution could not be found, it was taken to the High Court and the verdict was in favour of the AR camp officials, who are comparatively less in number. However, all the earlier lists were prepared contradictory to this and when appointments are made, the whole exercise will be upset,” said one of the officials on condition of anonymity.
Half the strength is being recruited directly and the rest through promotion, but the whole process has been affected with the delay in appointments. Though home guards are being deployed to assist the police especially for traffic, they do not have independent powers or even to be involved when a law and order situation arises.
