Coastal security beefed up in Kerala

Kochi (Kerala), May 16 (ANI): The coastal security in Kerala has been increased with the state police inducting high-speed boats to patrol the shoreline and backwaters.

A fleet of around 47 boats along with a specially trained police team has been deployed for the purpose.

The 6.8-metre-long boats can be controlled by a remote device and seat up to six policemen.

A colourful regatta ceremony in the backwaters of Kochi district marked the launch of the new service.

"Backwater security is an integral part of coastal security as far as we are concerned. With that perception, we are trying to implement the scheme throughout the length of Kerala. High-speed boats patrol the waterways constantly so that any interlocutor or somebody, who has intercepted or somebody, who has escaped into the backwaters, we are able to chase him and we are able to catch him," said Kerala Director-General of Police Jacob Punnoose.

"This will also ensure that along the waterways, which a large number of tourists and common people use, crime, which is becoming a problem will also be addressed by the police. These boats will be used in a consultant manner to prevent such activities," he added.

Eight new coastal police stations are expected to be fully functional within the next three months in Kerala.

India has initiated several measures to beef security all along its over 7,500 kilometers long coast in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. (ANI)