After metro scare, BMTC, KSRTC put on high alert

A day after alert security staff of Namma Metro prevented the boarding of a passenger due to his suspicious behaviour, the BMTC and KSRTC started surprise checks of passengers at the bus stations in Majestic.

On Monday, a passenger who triggered a red alert of door frame metal detector at the Kempegowda Metro Station escaped from the spot when asked to show the belt-like device under the shirt. A while late, when the suspect tried to enter from the south entrance, the metro staff and a few auto-rickshaw drivers tried to catch him. However, he managed to escape.

Following the incident, a high alert was sounded at all metro stations. The staff was instructed to strictly monitor the checking of bags as well as body check through hand-held metal detectors.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) chief public relations officer B L Yeshwanth Chavan said they had enhanced the security measures at all metro stations. “The staff was already on high alert. We are doubling our effort to ensure that there is no lapse in security,” he said.

The two bus stations nearby have also started surprise checking of passengers. A KSRTC official said the security had been scaled up post-Sri Lanka bombings.

“The number of home guards has been increased to 28. As there is no compound wall around the bus station, a close watch is kept on all corners to monitor those entering the station area. We also have 32 CCTV cameras recording the movements of people in the area,” an official said.

Anupam Agarwal, head of security and vigilance in the BMTC, said the corporation was scanning for suspicious passengers and has started the random checking of bags.

Asked about the gaps in CCTV camera surveillance, he said the corporation has applied for Central government’s funding to install more cameras. “We hope to get clarity on the issue once the model code of conduct is lifted,” he said.

Have clues to identify culprit: Police

Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Division Ravi D Channannavar visited the Kempegowda Metro Station on Monday night as well as Tuesday morning to inspect the security arrangements.

Channannavar told DH, “It is true that a suspicious man tried to enter the east gate when the door frame metal detector beeped. But he managed to sneak away soon after the security personnel asked to show what he was wearing.”

“We have CCTV footage of the same and specific clues to identify the culprit. Three teams have been formed to probe the identity and antecedents of the suspicious man. We have no information that he was carrying any sort of weaponry or explosives. However, we do not want to take any chances and are seriously probing the matter,” Channannavar added.

“Meanwhile, people are requested not to heed to false/fake news which creates unnecessary panic and fear-mongering,” Channannavar said.