GAURIBIDANUR: Rats were creating havoc at Gauribidanur Rural police station in Chikkaballapur district, prompting the cops to get two cats to safeguard their documents, property and other items.
While the police personnel are tasked with safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, two male cats, aged between one and one and half, have been guarding the station property for nearly four months, putting colonies of rats on the retreat.
Gauribidanur Rural police station was built eight years ago on land adjacent to a waterbody. There is dense undergrowth at some distance from it, providing a haven for rats. Police initially noticed a couple of rats but soon they were found everywhere at the station - in almirahs, tables, behind photo frames, etc.
They began destroying documents, including complaint copies, FIRs, evidence sheets and even items seized during investigation. To get rid of the rats, cops brought two cages, but their sheer numbers rendered them useless. The idea of nurturing cats was considered and initially, one male cat was pressed into service. Enthused by the positive outcome, police brought one more and the station is now free of rat menace, said constable Gangaraju.
