At courts across Punjab, security apparatus 'inadequate'

Muktsar/Patiala, Dec 23

After a bomb blast at the district courts complex in Ludhiana today, advocates in Muktsar have raised questions over the security arrangements and appealed to the authorities concerned to provide three-tier security.

Also read: Ludhiana blast: Punjab and Haryana High Court calls for details of security measures

They have also raised questions over the functioning of the police in controlling vehicle-lifting incidents at the courts complex. The advocates said though some metal detectors were installed at some places, their functioning was not satisfactory. A police vehicle is also stationed outside the courts complex, but the cops on duty hardly stop or frisk anyone, they claimed.

Sarbjit Singh, SSP, Muktsar, said, “The Faridkot DIG today held a meeting to review the security arrangements and directed us to strengthen security arrangements at all public places.”

In Patiala, officials at the court complex said a police party led by SP (City) visited the complex and took stock of the situation. The complex lacks CCTV cameras where hundreds of people visit for court hearings daily although cameras are installed in the corridors of the advocates’ chambers.

Sukhjinder Singh, an advocate, said, “There is lack of proper checking at the complex. No security officials are deputed outside the courts as well.” He said a few incidents of thefts and damage to windows at the advocates’ chambers had also been reported in the past.

In Gurdaspur, the police fortified security in and around the judicial complex which is located in the heart of the town. SSP Nanak Singh said a couple of quick response teams had been positioned at strategic points near the complex. — TNS

Search ops in Asr

• The Amritsar police on Thursday carried out search in the entire court complex area besides strengthening security on the premises
• A police team led by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Jugraj Singh led the search operation. Dog squad was also pressed into service to comb the area