Sub-inspectors sit with other staffers in a hall even as top officials such as the DCP and ACP share a room. The only jail cell is used as a storeroom.
The international airport police station, which was earlier in Devanahalli, about 10km away from the airport, was recently shifted to the Bangalore International Airport (BIA) premises and it began full-fledged work thereafter. Earlier, a complainant had to travel to Devanahalli to register cases and the police had to travel to airport many times a day. Now, while it’s easier for complainants to get their concerns heard, the policemen face a different problem—they are cramped for space in the new station.
While just four visitors can sit in the room of the station house officer (SHO), the sub-inspectors sit with other staffers in a hall.
The investigative and crime staff, too, must sit in this hall. Top officials such as the deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner, too, share a room. What’s worse, there’s just one jail cell and that too can accommodate only one person. But, the cell is being used to store weapons.
Nevertheless, a police officer at the station said it was “good”.
“It is a high-tech and centrally air-conditioned (AC) building. The only problem is space. We need enough space for investigation and keeping weapons,” said the officer.
The police help-centre building, inaugurated by police commissioner BG Jyothi Prakash Mirji on November 23, was converted into a police station later. BIAL said it invested Rs1 crore to build the centre, where passengers can file FIRs.
After the facility’s inauguration, BIAL said the help centre would function round the clock and deputy commissioner, assistant commissioner, traffic inspector and SHO would have their respective offices. Additionally, the help centre was supposed to have six workstations, a detention room and pantry.
There are two other police help centres at the passenger terminal building and the airline office building. Also, airport officials said the location of this police station (which was earlier a help centre) was chosen by the police as it is located to the east of the ATC tower.
“We are unaware of any complaints about the station’s location or lack of facilities at the help centre. BIAL worked in close coordination with the police department during the facility’s construction,” said an official.
A joint house committee of the Karnataka legislature had criticised the airport authorities for not providing adequate facilities to police personnel stationed at the airport.
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