Boozing and Doping- A Haven for Illegal Activities near IGP’s Residence

Boozing and Doping- A Haven for Illegal Activities near IGP’s Residence

Mangaluru: During the last Mayor Kavitha Sanil’s phone-in programme held on 30 August 2017, a lady had phoned in and complained about immoral activities like Boozing, Smoking and Doping between the late evening and midnight hours near King’s Park, located near the Mary Hill Helipad, and also near to IGP Western Range Hemant Nimbalkar’s residence. Even though the Mayor had assured the lady caller that she would bring the matter to the notice of the law enforcement authorities, and also to the notice of IGP, but according to the few residents whom Team Mangalorean spoke this morning, the illegal activities are still going on- no matter how many times the residents have complained to the concerned authorities.

Anyways, this report is for the kind perusal of Inspector General of Police-Western Range- Hemant Nimbalkar, whose residence is very adjacent to the Mary-Hill helipad, which has been turned into a dump yard by some building contractors/builders by disposing off building debris etc and also young revelers at night leaving behind alcohol bottles, empty cigarette packs, snacks wrappers etc- I am not sure whether he has seen it or not?- but through this column I kindly request him to take action on behalf of some of the local residents there – some of them who use this area for their morning and evening exercise walk.

First of all the road leading to the helipad from Mount Carmel Central School- Mary Hill is in bad shape, and along the side of part of the stretch of this road, construction debris has been dumped. Even the management of Mount Carmel Central School had brought to the notice of Team Mangalorean, that the dilapidated road adjacent to the school has been causing a lot of inconveniences to the school children, as well as their parents who escort them to the school. And the best part is that the IGP takes this road every single day, and has turned a blind eye to it by not approaching the MCC to repair the potholed and damaged road leading to the Helipad.

Stepping into the helipad area, you’ll find more of construction debris and other garbage dumped all along the side of the helipad area. Surprisingly you’ll also find empty beer and liquor bottles, empty cigarette packs, snacks wrappers discarded by revelers who use this area as their hangout joint- and even though a sign has been posted by the Kavoor Police station that ‘Vehicle Learning on this ground is strictly prohibited’, we noticed bunch of vehicles taking their driving test. When all this is going on, one would ask- how come MCC and even the IGP who lives next door to this area have turned a blind eye to this pathetic situation.

I am not sure when was the last time a helicopter had landed on this helipad (for the fact there are two helipads here), because lately the CM and other top state politicians using taxpayers money have been arriving to the city by flights landing at Mangalore International Airport- unfortunately, this helipad has been of no use for a while- and it has been abused by some builders, local residents and others for different things. The photographs in this report will speak volumes about the present condition of this helipad area.

Speaking to Team Mangalorean, a 59-year-old resident of that area, who wanted to remain anonymous said, “I use this path every evening for my walk, but once it gets little dark many youngsters and adults gather around this helipad indulging in various illegal activities. Sometimes I even get the smell of Ganja. They also drink and leave the empty booze bottles everywhere. Some bottles are seen broken, which is a safety hazard for walkers who walk barefoot or wear sandals. Some of us had earlier complained to the then IGP Harishekaran to take action against these troublemakers, but of no use. Even now I have seen the present IGP’s vehicle passing by in front of these revelers, but not even a single time the IGP has stopped his vehicle and warned these guys. Sad, but I hope at least with your report some action will be taken. Because of all the nuisance taking place during the evening hours, I do my walking during morning time, even though it’s hard for me. Thanks for taking the time to highlight this issue”.

Devdas Shetty, a nearby resident also expressing his grievances said, ” Although the people indulging in immoral activities have come down a bit, there are a few trouble makers who use this area for their activities, and they don’t give a damn even if the IGP’s vehicle passes by. How can we expect to live in this locality when such kind of illegal activities are going on, and even the important citizen who is responsible for the safety of the citizens is not taking any action. We hope at least the Mayor who has been very active, even though being a lady, will bring an end to this nuisance of the revelers in our neighbourhood. Our humble request is also for the IGP Sir, to look into this matter”.

In conclusion, bringing to the notice of the IGP and other district authorities, this helipad vicinity has become a den of indecent activities, thereby making the life difficult for the residents living nearby. Even though the place is located very close to the IGP’s house, which, ironically, has proven no reason for people to stop indulging in immoral activities. So on behalf of the residents living in this vicinity, Team Mangalorean makes a humble request to IGP- Western Range Hemant Nimbalkar and also the officials of MCC to take action of this pathetic situation that has been haunting many local residents for a long long time. Let’s hope one of these authorities will do the needful at the earliest. Until then let’s keep our fingers crossed!