Security gadgets defunct, Audit Dept raises concern

Amit Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 14 

Four explosive, narcotics and chemical detectors, which are among the basic security gadgets purchased at a cost of Rs 91 lakh to thwart any threat, are lying non-operational with the Chandigarh Police since 2017. The concern over the non-functional security device has been raised in the audit report for the year 2017-2018.

The audit report states that during checking of the records, it was noticed that these devices were checked by the technical engineer of the supplying agency in November 2017 and it was found that three detectors needed only consumable items and one was found non-operational as the power board has failed and needed to be replaced.

The matter of purchasing consumable items and the power board at the total cost of Rs 3.40 lakh was raised by the Security Wing with the higher authorities. However, the matter is still under process.

In has been observed in the audit report that without the consumable items, the detectors are lying idle and the very purpose of purchase these stood defeated. It may further result in serious security concerns.

On being pointed out in the audit, the department stated that the matter for providing necessary approval was still pending with the Superintendent, Procurement. 

The audit report also mentions about empty cartridges lying with the Police Department, which have not been disposed of. As per the report, around 14.70 lakh empty cartridges are lying with the department and no action has been initiated regarding their disposal. 

Similarly, non-disposal of expired tear gas shells and grenades has also been pointed out in the report. 

Repair of liquid explosive detectors delayed

• The audit report mentions that liquid explosive detectors costing around Rs 70 lakh are not in working condition and hence lying unused for want of repairs with a Panchkula-based agency since July 2017. 
• The agency had written to the UT police that these detectors should be got repaired from the manufacturer, which is based in the US. 
• The agency requested the UT police to issue a letter to the Commissioner of Customs so that these machines are sent to the US for repairs. 
• However, despite two reminders sent in September 2017 and March 2018, the letter was not issued following, which the security equipment was lying un-repaired.