On May 8, 2019, a body was found in a highly decomposed state at Kailasagiri hill. Police ascertained that the person had committed suicide a couple of weeks ago by hanging himself to a tree.
Just days later, the deaths of a couple at the popular tourist spot on Sunday sent officials into a tizzy, with fears of tourism prospects being adversely impacted due to such incidents.
Security issues
The back-to-back incidents have put the spotlight on security at the hilltop park.It is learnt that there are just four security personnel on night shift manning the entire hilltop park.
“We questioned the security personnel about the back-to-back incidents at Kailasagiri. They said there are just four personnel working in night shift. We asked them to ensure that all visitors leave within the closing time,” said B. Ashok Kumar, Inspector of Arilova.
Security personnel said that it is not a matter of adequate security as Kailasagiri hill, being a vast area with a lush green cover, makes it impossible to ensure that every visitor leaves by the end of the day.
“There are some places where even we cannot reach, but some youngsters manage to go to take selfies,” said a security guard requesting anonymity“The first suicide occurred about 100 m from the toll gate point, which is totally inaccessible. The second incident had reportedly took place atop the hill. Even though we ask visitors to take care, many do not bother,” said another guard.
No checking
A senior police officer said that though it is tough, the Kailasagiri management should commence bag checkings along the lines of Alipiri at Tirupathi.
“Entry should be at just one point and it is fine to have a bag scanner. If any person in distress brings knives or suspicious material to end their lives, they can be detected immediately. This would also help in detecting anti-social persons. Moreover, several points should be out of bounds for visitors by placing a security guard, signboards, or CCTV cameras,” said the officer.
Secretary of Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) A. Srinivas said that having baggage scanners is a tough task as there would be thousands of tourists visiting Kailasagiri, mostly in RTC buses during the weekend.
“Kailasagiri is spread over 350 acres and it has three to four entry points. Even though we check visitors at entry, it is tough to stop them from entering interior areas on the hill,” he said.
Mr. Srinivas also said that the VMRDA has been discussing about the issue and would come up with steps soon.
“Kailasagiri is going to be developed with World Bank funds, in which we would also include a comprehensive plan to tighten the security to put an end to such incidents,” the secretary said.