Rusted body, flat tires, rising accidents; Deplorable condition of police vehicles

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The higher-ranked officers in the police department will get brand-new vehicles to hurtle down the city roads. At present, the conditions of most vehicles used for patrolling are deplorable as there is no proper maintenance work done.

There has also been a recent rise in cases where police jeeps got mired in accidents. Discerning the threat to commoners' lives and the possible retribution such an incident could bring to the department, the change has been demanded.

The condition of police vehicles in districts other than Thiruvananthapuram is pathetic. Police in the capital city have the luxury of new vehicles as there is an everyday need to escort ministers and VIPs. As per the long-followed practice, when newer vehicles arrive at the capital city, the police department transfers the damaged ones to other districts. 15-year-old vehicles that have passed their expiry limits are still belting across the northern districts.

The police travel by risking their lives in the old vehicles in these districts. Most vehicles do not have proper insurance. Two years ago, DGP had suggested taking full insurance for all vehicles instead of third-party insurance. However, most of the vehicles used by police still rely on third-party insurance.

There is an existing rule within the department that says a vehicle can be replaced after running 3 lakh kilometres. It is a shame that the rule is not being enforced. Most police jeeps at stations are a rusted lot with tires worn out. Recently, smoke billowed from the front of the jeep of a DySP, who was piloting the Chief Minister's vehicle in Kasaragod.

It is reported that the police jeep involved in an accident in Kannur had no insurance. In Thiruvananthapuram, a special branch DYSP's vehicle caught fire at a busy traffic signal. Earlier, repairs of police cars were carried out in private workshops approved by the government. Due to huge arrears, the workshop has now started neglecting police vehicles.