Pvt security agencies under Delhi govt scanner

Delhi government will soon carry out a comprehensive review of functioning of all private security agencies in the city following complaints of irregularities, including involvement in crimes.

Delhi government will soon carry out a comprehensive review of functioning of all private security agencies in the city following complaints of irregularities, including involvement in crimes.

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"We will carry out a detailed review of functioning of the private security agencies soon," a top official of the Delhi government told PTI, vowing to "come down hard" on those violating laws.

The official said the government has already suspended the process of registration of private security agencies in the capital and is working on plugging loopholes to ensure that the agencies adhere to certain standards and work in a regulated environment.

"The decision to review their performance was taken after we came across incidents of involvement of private security guards in anti-social activities and crimes. We are also in the process of plugging the loopholes in the current system," he said.

The government has provided authorisation certificate to around 90 private security agencies under provisions of Private Security Agencies Regulations Act, 2005. The official said a large number of such agencies are also operating in the city without registering with the government.

According to the Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI), over three lakh security personnel are currently working in various private agencies in the city. Pointing to instances of crimes being committed by private security guards, the official said on January two persons working for a private security agency, providing security for the HDFC bank, were arrested for fleeing with Rs 67.5 lakh in a cash van.

The amount was meant to be deposited in different ATMs. "The private security business is growing rapidly and we cannot allow them to operate without proper monitoring. We are determined to streamline the functioning of the private security agencies. We will come down hard on those violating provisions of security guards act," the official said.