Vijayawada: City police commissioner A.B. Venka-teswara Rao’s invitation to the film industry to host movie related events — from film shooting at public places to audio launch functions with huge gathering in Vijayawada has not gone down well with his lower-ranked colleagues in the police department. They feel that this would only add to their burden.
The 2,500 cops attached to the Vijayawada police commissionerate are responsible for the security of a population of 20 lakh population. This means that they are extremely short-staffed.
Their workload in the recent past has increased dramatically, and sometimes they are on duty round the clock due to increased VIP visits and functions.
The audio launch function of a popular movie a few weeks ago had left the cops drained, as they had to control a mammoth crowd.
Similarly, visits by movie stars stretches the force, especially in areas like Machavaram, Krishnalanka, Patamata, Governorpet and I-Town which have many business establishments and function halls.
“We have investigate many cases. Additionally, we have to provide security at functions for VIPs and other events with large gathering,” said a sub-inspector.
