HYDERABAD: The forces of an elite counter terrorism unit, the Organisation for Counter Terrorist Operations (OCTOPUS), and a special wing to combat Maoist activities, Greyhounds, have been deployed in and around Golconda Fort where the state government is organising Independence Day celebrations on August 15.
For the first time, the city police have deployed forces of Greyhounds for security at the Golconda Fort. Every year, the police utilises service of OCTOPUS forces for Republic Day and Independence day celebrations.
Keeping in mind of Intelligence department’s warning on possible disturbances during Independence Day celebrations, the city police have taken precautionary measures in throwing tight security cover in and around Golconda Fort. Stating that they received regular inputs from various wings on possible threats, the DCP, West Zone, A Venkateswar Rao said that they have taken all kinds of security measures for smooth conduct of Independence Day celebrations at the Fort.
“Around 5,000 personnel including law and order, traffic, Telangana police and other wings will be deployed at the Golconda Fort for security reasons. We also started utilising service of Greyhounds and OCTOPUS and these forces are posted at various places inside the Fort to prevent untoward incidents,” the DCP said. The clues teams, Bomb Disposal (BD) squads and sniffer dogs are already placed in fort and regular checks are taken place.
Security breach in allowing regular visitors
The Archaeological Survey of India officials decision in allowing visitors into Golconda fort has became a headache to the police forces and are worrying about security breach.
Sources said that the police officials, who deployed forces at the fort just days before Independence Day celebrations, wrote to ASI to stop issuing tickets allowing visitors into Golconda Fort as security measures.
Top cop issues orders for smooth conduct
Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police Commissioner M Mahendar Reddy issued orders disallowing carrying cameras and other materials to Golconda fort and Parade grounds during Independence Day celebrations. He advised general public not to carry any hand bags, briefcases, cameras, tiffin carriers or other containers while proceeding to the Golkonda Fort, Parade Grounds.
The police officials also imposed traffic restrictions and diversions at Golconda Fort following Independence Day celebrations. In order to facilitate proper regulation of traffic in connection with Parade and I-Day Celebrations at Golconda Fort, on August 15 at 10 am. The road from Ramdev Guda to Golconda Fort will be closed for general vehicular traffic from 7 am to 12 noon. The entry will be one-way with parking stickers A / B / C only between 7.30 am to 10 am.