Karnataka   

Tight security at airfields

BANGALORE: Officials of the Indian Air Force and Bellary district administration have tightened security in the town following instructions by the Central Intelligence Bureau to the Karnataka authorities to enhance security in airports, especially small airports operating helicopters and private aircraft. This follows intelligence reports that terrorist groups could be considering using helicopters to stage suicide attacks.

A senior officer attached to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Bellary told The Hindu on Monday that the district administration had held several meetings with the police and other departments. “Security has been tightened at all vital installations across the district.

“Officials of mining and steel companies frequently use helicopters and chartered aircraft. Some of the companies also own them. Occasionally they rent them out. Since the Mumbai terror attack, we have instructed owners not to rent their helicopters and aircraft,” the officer said. The owners use the airfield owned by the Jindal Group of Companies at Toranagallu or open grounds to park their helicopters. The Vijayanagar ruins at Hampi, a world heritage site, Jindal Vijayanagar Steel Plant, Tungabhadra Dam are all possible targets.

IAF team visit

“A few days ago, a high-level team of the Indian Air Force visited Bellary,” said Deputy Commissioner of Bellary B. Shivappa. “The district administration has decided to impose restrictions on flying private helicopters. I have decided to meet helicopter owners and instruct them to upgrade safety,” he told The Hindu.

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