Hyderabad: The death of three policemen in two incidents over three days as they pursued suspected Simi terrorists has brought into focus the fact that safety measures being ignored in police operations. Four police personnel have been injured.
The local police was found to be vulnerable to murderous attacks despite planning the operation in advance.
All the police teams were aware, especially after Thursday’s incident, that they were tracking down armed suspects but were not wearing bulletproof vests or other safety gear on Saturday. Sources said that most of the district police teams were not properly armed. Several teams were not even following the proper drill.
While the chase of the terrorists was on, a few cops were chasing them on two-wheelers without their bulletproof vests.
The casualties would have been higher if the killers were not gunned down by Ramannapet circle inspector Balagangi Reddy, who was following the vehicle of Atmakur SI G.D. Siddaiah, sources said.
In order to avoid further casualties while searching for the rest of the gang, AP DGP J.V. Ramudu has ordered police personnel to follow safety precautions.
He asked the police to follow the drill and precautions while conducting vehicle checks and frisking.
“The officers and staff checking vehicles should be asked to put on bulletproof jackets. Since the terrorists and criminal gangs are carrying firearms, armed contingents must be deployed for search duties, vehicle checking and frisking. Quick reaction teams should be positioned to meet contingencies,” he said.
