Kottayam: The police in Kottayam city are unable to use vehicles due to outstanding arrears worth Rs.50 lakhs towards petrol stations. The department faces a crisis after pump owners notified that they won’t supply diesel and petrol to police vehicles until the dues are paid. The dues includes the amount of fuel used by police vehicles pressed into service for the Nava Kerala Sadas. Officers are now paying for the fuel from their pockets for emergency travel.
Police vehicles, including those in the control room operating in Kottayam city and vehicles at the AR camp, are facing a crisis. The vehicles stationed at stations and the AR camp are refueled from pumps in the city. The department owes dues for the last five months, totaling around Rs 50 lakhs. Due to this, pump owners say they cannot supply fuel without receiving payment.
For the past two days, police vehicles attempting to refuel have been sent back from the petrol stations. Pump owners mention that this is the first time such a substantial amount has been owed, despite similar cases occurred in the past. If the arrears are not settled, the crisis will worsen in the coming days. Currently, the situation is like if someone calls the police for assistance or if there is an emergency, the police are unable to reach the spot.
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