ALAPPUZHA: The Chengannur police has decided to make it mandatory for local clubs to install CCTV cameras on the grounds where they plan to hold Onam celebrations. Those who fail to meet the directive will not get sanction for operating mikes during the festivities, Chengannur DySP K. R. Sivasuthan Pillai has said. The police was forced to take the step as culprits who resorted to violence during celebrations often escaped punishment because of lack of evidence, Mr Pillai said.
Apart from violence, pick pocketing, theft and abduction cases took place during such celebrations, Mr Pillai said. “It may not be a huge liability for organisers because many service providers give CCTVs on rent,” he said. He pointed out that incidents of violence came down after the police made festival organisers install CCTVs earlier this year in Chengannur area. However, office-bearers of local clubs say security restrictions have led to fewer people coming to festivals that have become rare in rural areas, especially in the television era.
“Most Onam celebrations in villages suffer from dearth of funds, often being collected from the public,” D. Nagesh, member, Puliyoor Panchayath. “We have to spend at least Rs 10,000 to install CCTVs. This added liability would discourage people from organising such traditional celebrations, he said. It has been pointed out that several incidents of violence turning fatal occurred last year in the district.
