Ahmedabad police crack down on elderly security guards

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — In a major safety push, Ahmedabad Police have launched action against security service operators hiring guards above 60 years of age, exposing a dangerous trend that puts residential societies and commercial complexes at risk. Officials say many of these appointments were backed by fake medical certificates, raising questions about widespread malpractice in the security sector.

“Rules clearly state that security guards must be physically fit and certified by a doctor. But agencies are bypassing this requirement by colluding with doctors to issue fake certificates,” a senior police officer told reporters. “This is gross negligence. If societies want real safety, they must insist on fit and qualified guards—not token presence.”

Societies Share the Blame

Police stressed that housing societies are equally accountable. Despite paying hefty sums to security companies, many societies turn a blind eye to the age and fitness of guards deployed at their gates. “If an agency sends an unfit or elderly guard, the society must demand a replacement. Security is not a formality—it is about lives,” the officer added.

Exploitation Behind the Uniform

The crackdown also revealed exploitative practices by private security firms. While agencies bill societies ₹15,000 or more per guard per month, the guards themselves receive only ₹8,000 to ₹10,000, often paid in vouchers instead of proper wages.

“This is open exploitation,” said one guard deployed at a residential complex. “We work 12 to 14 hours every day, but get barely enough to survive. Agencies pocket the rest in the name of service fees.”

Another guard admitted that many accept the terms due to lack of employment options. “Even at 60, we keep working. Families depend on us. Agencies know this and take advantage,” he said.