Third eyes' shut at Chottanikkara

Kochi: Even after it has been found that a few of the suspects in the Munambam illegal migration incident had stayed in three lodges at Chottanikkara for some ten days in early January before sailing out, the authorities have not initiated the restoration and installation of surveillance cameras in these areas.

Chottanikkara police said that the cameras functioned only for a few months after they were installed by private parties a few years ago. “All the six cameras have not been functioning for the past many months. But we have given directions to install cameras in all shops and lodges,” a police official said.

“Around 35 cameras are inside the temple compound and we have requested the devaswom board for an additional 10 cameras to place them in the vulnerable areas near to the temple,” said Mr A. Aneesh, sub-inspector of police, Chottanikkara station.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the maintenance cost of the cameras was not taken up by any authorities and hence gradually they stopped functioning.

Mr Murali Nedumpilli, a resident of the area, said that Makam festival is the only time when the area comes under CCTV surveillance as the devaswom board allows more CCTV cameras at that time. “The nearby panchayats along with other authorities are taking up the maintenance cost together. This should be implemented here also,” he said.

Besides, a damaged lamp post placed at the bypass junction is posing a threat to the commuters after it was hit by a truck a few months ago.

Chottanikkara panchayat officials said that it can be replaced only after getting the nod from the PWD and police. “The panchayat alone cannot do anything on this issue because the post was placed by a private company for connecting their cable lines. However, the works were stopped immediately some years ago,” said Mr Reez Puthenveedu, vice-president, Chottanikkara panchayat.

“We need PWD’s permission to replace it since it is learnt to have given the permission to the company. At the same time, police should also cooperate with the issue as their surveillance camera is erected on it,” he said.