In the aftermath of attack on party revelers at a homestay here, many had pointed fingers at the intelligence department for failing to gather information about the impending attack.
According to sources in the police department the shortcomings in intelligence gathering was due to government’s apathy. Intelligence department operates with a skeletal staff of 13 personnel. Five head constables, six constables, one sub-inspector and a deputy superintendent of police in a district with 20 lakh population.
With three men being deployed in Sullia, Puttur, Bantwal and Belthangady taluks, remaining staff concentrate on gathering information in Mangalore taluk, which is cluttered with many industries, resorts, hotels, educational institutions and restaurants.
Sources told Express that the intelligence department since its inception has run with a skeleton staff. Four posts of SIs, constables and a first division clerk level reporter has been lying vacant for many years. “The government’s apathy is reflected in its silence to the umpteen letters written demanding an independent office and additional men for the department.”
State intelligence DySP Venkat Nayak said that his department has been constantly appreciated for good work and added that he hopes, “The existing vacancies might be filled up.” However, he denied any failure in collecting intelligence on the attack.