High alert in M'lore coast

Cops of local police, Coastal Security Police and Coast Guards are keeping close watch on the seashores to check the possible intrusion of terrorists, but none of the officials are sure about the authenticity of the information.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, IGP (Western Range) Alok Mohan said “the people of the region need not panic. The department is ready to protect the coast and the region. The department is ready to deal with any eventualities.”

City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said that it is not a major issue. “It is just a normal security measure and we have not deployed any additional forces on the coast,” he added.

Further he pointed out that though a boat was seized on December 24, it was released later as the police could not find any suspicious materials in it.

Superintendent of Police Dr A Subramanyeshwar Rao told reporters that the information was received four days ago. “The police department receives such messages from the Centre regularly and accordingly we follow their direction,” he added.

“In fact, even Coastal Security Police are also on high alert from Hejamadi to Shiroor in Udupi. The police are engaged in patrolling in the coast with the speedboat. All the five Coastal Security Police Stations have been alerted. The fishermen have been alerted to keep a watch on the unidentified ship or boat approaching the coast. The patrolling, which started on December 24 will continue till January 2,” said Coastal Security Police Inspector Kiran.

Interceptors of the Coastal Security Police are being used to surveil the sea upto 12 nautical miles. Meanwhile, cops watch the movements of boats from the coast.