The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Tight security for R-Day celebrations in city

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Friday, Jan 25, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Tight security for R-Day celebrations in city

Special Correspondent

Police are conducting sabotage checks

‘No input on a possible act of sabotage’
Sky sentries posted at multi-storeyed buildings

BANGALORE: To ensure that the Republic Day celebrations are not marred by untoward incidents, the police have heightened security at vital installations and also started conducting sabotage checks in the city.

Commissioner of Police Neelam Achutha Rao told The Hindu on Thursday that there was no input from Central or intelligence agencies on a possible act of sabotage during the Republic Day celebrations. But as a general measure, the police had been put on alert.

Patrolling had been intensified and “nakabandi” would be conducted in the city on Thursday and Friday nights to check vehicles. The police had started searching hotels and other places for suspicious persons. Sky sentries had been posted at multi-storeyed buildings and security heightened at vital installations and sensitive areas, Mr. Achutha Rao said.

Besides deploying additional forces, a large number of CCTVs would be installed at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground where Governor Rameshwar Thakur would unfurl the tricolour at 9 a.m. on Saturday, he said.

Meanwhile, addressing presspersons, Bangalore Urban Deputy Commissioner M.A. Sadiq said 10 CCTVs would be installed at strategic locations in the venue. Asked if he had received any specific information on threat perception in Bangalore, he said, “We are anticipating… and are taking these measures to be on the safer side.” Seating arrangements had been made for 15,000 invitees. Owing to security reasons, invitees and the general public had been prohibited from carrying cellphones, cameras, radios, handbags and umbrellas to the venue. Carrying invitation had been made mandatory. Invitees had been asked to take their seats by 8.30 a.m., Mr. Sadiq said. For the first time, a disaster management cell, comprising 10 doctors, 16 paramedical staff and two pharmacists, had been set up to provide medical aid in case of emergency, he said.

The police have imposed restrictions on the movement of vehicles from 8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. on Saturday. Vehicles proceeding towards Manipal Centre from CTO Circle have to take a left turn at BRV junction on Cubbon Road, enter Central Street, pass through Infantry Road, Main Guard Road, Allies Circle, Dispensary Road and Kamaraj Road and take a left turn at Kamaraj Road-Cubbon Road junction. Vehicles proceeding towards CTO Circle from Manipal Centre junction have to take a left turn at Kamaraj Road-Cubbon Road junction, (towards Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium), pass through Mahatma Gandhi Road.

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