Security wing to get modern equipment

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The security wing of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple will get a boost with the induction of modern equipment.  Modern equipment such as door frame metal detector, digital scanners and x-ray machines will be imported using the Rs 10-crore, allotted by the government. “To tighten the security of the temple, we are purchasing new equipment using the money allotted by the government for the second-phase of security arrangements for the temple,” said Sasikumar A, Assistant Commissioner, Temple Security Wing. The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and Keltron have been assigned with the task of purchasing the equipment. The officers and civil police officers of the Temple Security Wing, who have expertise in operating the modern equipment, would be assigned for the task. “The operations of the equipment will be monitored from the control room of the security wing,” Sasikumar said.  As part of tightening the security arrangements of the temple, 24-hour patrolling has started in the high-security zone for the past three weeks and two bikes were purchased for the purpose.Patrolling is being done from Pazhavangadi to Transport Bhavan, Attakkulangara and from Vazhappally to Sundaravilasom palace so as to cover the entire area under the radius of the high-security zone. “The patrolling has been helpful in finding out the unusual movements in the area. Two cases were registered with the Fort Police Station,” said Sasikumar. However, there is no plan to increase the number of cops under the Temple Security Wing as of now. At present, there are 233 members in the wing including, three circle inspectors, nine sub-inspectors, 27 assistant sub- inspectors, 53 civil police officers and 25 women civil police officers.