State on High Alert for Masjid Anniversary

CHENNAI: In view of the anniversary of Babri Masji demolition on Saturday, police have stepped up vigil across the State by providing extra security cover to vital installations.

State headquarters and district headquarters have been brought under a tight security blanket and the measures will be reviewed and supervised by DGP Ashok Kumar.

Around 1 lakh police personnel, including the local police and those drawn from the Tamil Nadu Special Police Battalions, the Armed Reserve Police, Youth Brigade and Home Guards, will be part of the security cover, said officials.

The Bomb Detection and Defusal squads had been put on alert round the clock to prevent any untoward incident. Vehicle checks had been intensified in the inter-State and inter-district borders. Anti-sabotage checks are being carried out across the State at vital installations, including the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant in South Tamil Nadu and Kalpakkam Power Plant near Chennai.

Three-tier security cover will be in place for important locations such as railway stations, major district bus terminuses and all airports.

The strength of CISF personnel who take guard at the airports across the State are being complemented by the local police, who will increase security in the outer cover.

Baggages brought into the railway stations are being scanned using X-Ray machines in major railway stations and through hand-held metal detectors before being permitted entry. Additional door frame metal detectors have also been installed to screen the entry at major railway stations. The Government Railway Police and Railway Protection Force are backed by the local police.

The police have also provided instructions to commercial establishments like multiplexes and shopping malls to take extra care while allowing people into their facility.

In the city, about 18,000 police personnel have been deployed at places of importance. The security in the city will be under the direct supervision of City Police Commissioner S George, while the four Additional Commissioners, four Joint Commissioners and 19 Deputy Commissioners would be active on the field. Hotels, lodges and other establishments are being checked for the list of the occupants and their proof of identity.