Participants walkout; Police open house ends

PUDUCHERRY: Amidst protest by participants, the open house conducted by the police department as part of Vigilance Awareness week at the Police Community Hall, Gorimedu, on Saturday, ended abruptly.The participants objected to the absence of Inspector General of Police (who heads the department) and the Secretary (Home) in charge. The Senior Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) deputed to answer was not competent to answer all questions as it went beyond his jurisdiction, said a participant.The department head and the secretary are the only ones who can answer such questions and ensure corrective measures, the participant added. The participants also objected to the non-specific replies given by the SSP(L&O) which included ‘it would be looked into‘ and ‘action would be taken’. Such replies in the past had just remained as assurances and nothing had been done nor corrective measures taken, said another participant.The Secretary who is the vigilance officer for the department should invariably be present to hear the vigilance issues raised by the participants. At least the joint secretary (Home) should have been present, felt the participants. They raised slogans against the IGP’s absence and left the premises, following which the open house ended.