City police on high vigil ahead of Republic Day

Following the recent blast in Church Street and recovery of huge quantity of explosives from a group with alleged terrorist links, the City police are on high vigil ahead of Republic Day.

Unlike in the previous years, the police have already started monitoring the Manekshaw Parade Grounds, the venue for the official Republic Day parade.

Sandeep Patil, DCP (Central), said, “The police are making frequent visits to the grounds and regular checks are being carried out. The BBMP workers, who are assigned with work at the grounds, have been provided with identity cards.

These identity cards are a must to gain access into the grounds. For now, six CCTV cameras have been installed in certain undisclosed points and the footage is being monitored by the police. More than 100 CCTV cameras will be installed inside and outside the grounds three days prior to the Republic Day.”

Patil said that they have already deployed 12 constables for round- -the-clock security at access points.

Frequent rounds
Later, the number will be increased and a couple of inspectors will also be deployed at the grounds. Senior police officers are making frequent rounds inside the grounds as well as the surrounding areas to keep a check on the preparations, he added.

“We have taken up certain security measures 20 days in advance, compared to the previous years. The early preparations are in the wake of the recent blast and the arrest of suspected terror elements.

The access points for the grounds are being guarded by the police and the entry of public into the premises of the parade grounds is banned.

A tight vigil is also kept on MG Road, Brigade Road, Church Street, Cubbon Road and surrounding areas. The dog squad is doing regular rounds in these areas,” an officer said.

The jurisdictional police across the City have also been alerted to keep a check on the lodges and commercial apartments. Also, an anti-sabotage team will be pressed into service and the buildings near the grounds will be checked on a regular basis till Republic Day.

Security measures
Various security measures are being discussed with other senior police officers and these measures will be implemented at the earliest. The public are expected to call the police control room or any police station when they sight suspicious materials or people,” he added.
DH News Service