Money, energy and morale go down

BANGALORE: The police department has been on its toes over the last one week, with officials holding several meetings and beefing up security for Friday's verdict on the Ayodhya dispute. But the preparations and tension have only been prolonged now, with Thursday's announcement that the verdict will be deferred.
The continuing state of alertness will involve expenditure worth crores of rupees.The 12,000-odd home guards who were deployed, along with regular police, to maintain peace across the state, had to be paid Rs 175 as daily honorary fees. This amounts to Rs 21 lakh a day.
Also, the City Armed Reserve (CAR) and District Armed Reserve (DAR) were moved to strategic points, while KSRP platoons were stationed at sensitive districts. Along with food and other facilities, the fuel cost also has run into lakhs of rupees. The KSRP platoons, which were moved outside the headquarters, have been asked to return on Friday, as it would be late for them to reach Bangalore.
Besides, a number of station and mohalla-level meetings and even a state-level discussion of religious leaders was held, which have added to the expenditure. "Individually, we may not feel the pinch. But if put together, it runs into lakhs of rupees," a senior police officer said.
DG&IGP Dr Ajai Kumar Singh said police have to be prepared for such situations. "There will be expenditure involved. That is how the police force works and we cannot think negatively," he added.