BENGALURU: The city police on Wednesday met representatives of prominent hotels and malls and advised them to increase security ahead of Republic Day. The advice comes in the wake of four arrests and a blast on Church Street on December 28. The additional security should come into force from Thursday, a good 11 days before Republic Day, police said.
The arrested men, all hailing from Bhatkal town on the Karnataka coast, were planning strikes on January 26, police sources have said.
“Since many important people will be visiting the city for Republic Day events, we have asked hotels to increase security,” said Alok Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Police.
Security staff should be trained to check baggage and know how to apprise their bosses of potential threats. CCTV cameras should cover every nook and corner, police said.
“The visit of the US President to Delhi has resulted in a Central government advisory asking all police forces to remain on high alert for Republic Day,” Kumar added. Malls should also consider deploying additional hands on Republic Day, police said.
Drone Surveillance
Bengaluru: Following the bomb blast on Church Street, the Horticulture Department has taken a number of steps, including drone surveillance, to provide security for the Republic Day flower show at Lalbagh gardens.