Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Aug 17: On the basis of information from the central intelligence agencies about the possibility of terror strikes in the state, high alert was issued all over Karnataka including coastal region on Friday, August 16 evening.
As soon as the intelligence report warned about possible strike, security all over the sate was tightened. Information about the alert was sent to all the district superintendents of police with instructions to conduct surprise checks everywhere. The police undertook thorough checks in railway stations, bus stands, important places, hospitals, malls, information technology companies etc in all the district headquarters.
As far as Mangaluru is concerned, checks were conducted at the railway station, bus stand, Infosys Technologies facility at Mudipu, Soorya Infotech, Kshema Hospital Deralakatte, Mangalore University and other spots with the help of sniffer dogs and bomb disposal squad.
Similar checks were also undertaken at the railway and bus stands at Udupi. High alert was also declared in port area and picketing point at Gangolli and Kundapur. Vigilance has been beefed up in all strategic points, said superintendent of police, Nisha James.
Fishermen in the coast have been asked by the district administration to immediately inform the police control room (dial 100) if they see any suspicious activity, boat or persons at the seashore. A senior police officer said that officials at the railway station, airport, KSRTC bus stand, big malls and big temples have been asked to be careful.
Mangaluru city police commissioner, Dr Harsha P S, said that as a precaution for the Independence Day celebrations, checks had been conducted a few days back, and as an extension to that exercise, searches are now being conducted with the help of sniffer dogs, bomb disposal squad etc. Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner, Sasikanth Senthil, said that warnings are sounded by central government from time to time and as usual, the concerned have been asked to exercise caution.
At Bengaluru, commandos have been patrolling the city and over 30 Karnataka State Reserve Police contingents have been deployed for security. City police commissioner, Bhaskar Rao, has instructed the additional police commissioner and deputy commissioners of police to be on high alert in the city. He has sought additional security at Vidhana Soudha, Vikasa Soudha, BMTC, KSRTC and railway stations, airport, leading malls, schools, companies, temples, mosques, prayer centres etc till further orders.