Private security agencies in Nashik under police scanner

Nashik: The private security agencies in the city have come under police scanner after five of them have allegedly flouted the Private Security Act 2005.
Laxmikant Patil, deputy commissioner of police (zone I), said, "Five agencies in Bhadrakali and Nashik Road area have flouted the dress code."
As per norms, if any private bodyguard wears a uniform similar to that of armed forces, police or government security agencies, the proprietor of the agency may face imprisonment up to one year, an officer said.
Patil said police are also verifying the documents of agencies, following suspicion about the role of bodyguards being hired by some local politicians," he added.
A senior officer said that many ''so called leaders'' with criminal antecedents roam around with bodyguards, sending a wrong signal to the society. Such leaders also attract youngsters who perceive them as role models. Some guards are hired as escorts more as a status symbol than as a necessity.
One example is that of the city president of a political party, who has been accused of serious offences such as extortion, dacoity and attempt to murder. A corporator was also seen surrounded by private bodyguards during Gudi Padwa, police said.
Police also suspect that some bouncers or bodyguards might be having a shady past. So, they have decided to check if the concerned agencies comply with the norms stated under the Private Security Agencies Act 2005.
"These security agencies may be violating the law. Hence, we have decided to keep a close watch on such agencies and verify the credentials of the bodyguards they provide," he added.
The officer said that if any guard found violating the act, strict action would be taken against him.
Patil said that, as per definition bouncer is a person who stands outside a pub, etc, to prevent unauthorised entry and remove disorderly persons. Security agency are not authorised to do so. "These bouncers are mainly body builders and are unemployed. Their involvement in illegal activities has been found and hence such persons have been called to undergo verification at senior police level," he added.
When contacted, representative of a security agency in Bhadrakali said, "We got instructions from police about violation of the dress code. We would make changes in the uniform of our personnel."