Tight security for cricket match

Criticised for security loopholes that resulted in minor blasts outside the stadium moments before an Indian Premier League match in April last, Bangalore police don't want to take chances this time around.

As many as 1,700 policemen, including nine platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) and the City Armed Reserve (CAR) personnel, will be deployed in and around the stadium for ‘foolproof' security.

According to T Sunil Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), a "much more vigorous" security system will be in place for the five-day match.

While anti-sabotage checks have begun and will continue till the match gets over, sniffer dogs have also been pressed into service for 'smelling' potential trouble-makers.

Besides, advanced security gadgets have been provided to the security men to man the spectators at all entry points. This apart, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras will keep a vigil round the clock over the entire stadium to keep the miscreants at bay.

"Last time, the CCTV cameras had been switched off at night. But, this time, they will not be turned off," Kumar told Deccan Herald.

The CCTV cameras, however, have not been installed in the surrounding areas.
Asserting that the City police themselves will take care of the security system, Kumar said the private security men hired by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) would only assist the police inside the stadium.

"Although there will be no division of work between the City police and the private security men, the latter will merely assist us in manning spectators inside the Stadium," he said.