Security, safety below standard in malls: Govt

The Karnataka government has said the security management and safety equipment in malls, cinema halls, multiplexes and shopping complexes in Bangalore were not up to the expected standards.

The Bangalore urban district administration recently conducted a survey of electrical installations, fire fighting equipment and security management in all malls and shopping complexes.

Announcing the findings of the survey, Bangalore Urban District Deputy Commissioner M A Sadiq told reporters that most of the malls, cinema halls, multiplexes and shopping complexes did not feature standard equipment as prescribed under government rules and regulations.

"We are worried over the preparedness of the management of these facilities frequented by thousands of people everyday. Directions have been issued to the management of such facilities to enhance the standards," he added.

B K Khanna, senior specialist at the National Disaster Management Authority, also reviewed the security arrangements at the malls, cinema halls, multiplexes and shopping complexes.

He said the cinema halls, including multiplexes, had been instructed to install metal detectors in the interest of public safety.