239. Keys of the malkhana and lock-up. [§ 12, Act V, 1861].
- A strong box should be provided in each malkhana for cash, ornaments, small arms, ammunition, documents, etc. The malkhana doors and the strong box shall be provided with good locks, preferably of the tumbler type, the keys of which cannot be locally made. The officer-in-charge of the police-station shall remain in charge of the malkhana. The keys of the malkhana and of the strong box shall be numbered and kept with the said officer, who shall be responsible for all the articles in the malkhana and the strong box. Only the key of the malkhana may be kept, if occasion demands it, with any other specified officer not below the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector at the discretion of the officer-in-charge. The contents of the malkhana shall be checked when the key thereof changes hands due to exigencies of duty. The key of the strong box shall, however, remain with the officer-in-charge under all circumstances. A duplicate key of each lock should be in the custody of the Superintendent of Police and the number shall be noted in a register. The key of the lock-up shall remain with the se itry on duty. No private property of officers shall be kept in the malkhana.Note. - Ordinarily keys of malkhana shall not be left with a constable unless he is left in charge of a police-station in the absence of Sub-Inspectors and Assistant Sub-Inspectors. When such a contingency arises, the constable opening the malkhana shall do it in presence of the sentry and the fact noted in the General Diary.
