Agency withdraws security for mobile towers

After a prolonged dispute over non-payment/deducted payment with the infrastructure provider for Bharti Group, Vodafone Group and Aditya Birla Group, a renowned private security agency has withdrawn its mobile as well as static security services securing their sensitive cellular (mobile towers) sites at 1,000 sensitive spots in Mumbai.

The two companies of Topsgroup namely Tops Security Limited and Truman have sent legal notice to Indus Towers on issues of alleged non-payment amounting to Rs60 crore. (Rs6,07,559,348 ) over the last 24 months and withdrawn its team of over over1,350 security guards from duty securing 25,000 sites across India.

“We had sent the first notice on April 4 and intimated them that if the payment is not made by April 20 we will withdraw our services. Though we were called for discussions we were not satisfied with mere commitments which we have been entertaining for quite some time now,” said Ramesh Iyer, the managing director(MD) of the company.

An office bearer from Indus on condition of anonymity told DNA that, “We are not denying that there is a dispute but the proportion being quoted is exaggerated. We are committed to take care of all companies that employ us.”

The security agency is also upset over certain alleged undue deductions by Indus which is also being accused of not even taking care of the revised minimum wages of the guards. “Security seems to be a cost for them and not an investment. Considering the kind of threats to the country imagine how poor security at these sites throw them open to the threat of being damaged or misused hampering the entire communication set up,” said Iyer.