As many as 21 Malekudiyas — the tribal people living on the periphery of forests in the district — will be working with police from August as Home Guards. They will be involved in discharging some of the routine duties of police in the district.
Superintendent of Police Abhishek Goyal told reporters here on Friday that the services of Malekudiyas in policing was being availed as per a proposal submitted to the government in September 2012. This will help in forging a better understanding between the police and Malekudiyas, he said.
Mr. Goyal said a list of 21 Malekudiyas have been sent to the District Home Guards Commandant. These Home Guards will work with the police for a period of one year with a payment of Rs. 250 per day. The Government has already released Rs. 10 lakh . “This arrangement will be for a year. Depending on the result of the experiment, a decision will be taken whether to extend it further.” The 21 candidates are from Belthangady, Sullia and Uppinangady, he added.
Mr. Goyal said Malekudiyas will not be involved in crime investigation and anti-naxal operations. They will be involved in traffic management and some police station duties. Selection of 21 candidates has been made as per the norms followed for Home Guards selection. Mr. Goyal said district police has been using services of Home Guards for maintaining law and order and manning wireless operations. This will be the first time that police will be making use of Home Guards continuously for a year.
