“Several factories are guarded by private security guards. We do not depend on the police, as they take a lot of time to investigate anything from murders to scams in the GIDC areas. Even yesterday, I noticed two policemen dozing off at the police chowki in the GIDC area, so why should I or any industrialist trust policemen for our security?” said Basu.

Elsewhere, the police department continues to be wary of private security guards. A senior police officer said that though there is no harm in employing private security guards, the question of their legitimacy in fighting crime does arise. “There have been several incidents in the recent past involving private security guards. People should check all possible details before employing them,” said a police officer.

Major govt establishments remain unguarded
Some major government establishments remain unguarded in the city. At the Sir Sayajirao General (SSG) Hospital on Monday, 50 private security guards, clad in black commando gear, were seen on the premises; but not a single guard was seen at the place on Tuesday. Hospital authorities had said they had sent the request to the state Home Department for an approval for deploying more guards at the hospital. Hospital administrator M S Gadhvi said they have signed a deal with the Stallion Industrial Security Force (SISF) to provide 112 more security guards at the premises.

“We are just waiting for the government approval. On Monday, these personnel from SISF had come for a rehearsal. Once the Home Department gives its approval, they will be deployed at the points identified by us,” Gadhvi said, adding that six points have been identified within the premises in this regard.

... contd.