The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Army called out for today's cricket match

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Sunday, Mar 20, 2011
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Army called out for today's cricket match

S. Vijay Kumar

Unprecedented security measures in place

— Photo: R. Ravindran

Vigil stepped up:Security personnel checking vehicles at Chepauk in Chennai on Saturday.

CHENNAI: For the first time, the Army and Coast Guard have been called out to be part of the security arrangements for the World Cup cricket match between India and West Indies here on Sunday.

Amid escalating threats perceived by intelligence agencies and alert messages from the Ministry of Home Affairs, unprecedented security measures, including anti-aircraft guns, are in place at the M.A. Chidambaram stadium, police sources say.

Besides a three-tier protective layer in and around the stadium, security agencies have devised a multi-pronged strategy to counter any eventuality. Teams of commandos are being deployed along the periphery of the stadium. Police have installed about 180 surveillance cameras to cover the entire venue. Quick Reaction Teams will be stationed at vantage points.

Army units will be positioned close to the venue while the Coast Guard has been requested to enhance vigil along the coastline. Senior police and defence officers reviewed the arrangements on Saturday evening.

“We have asked the Coast Guard to conduct sorties if they have planes on vessels here. The Army will use anti-aircraft guns to shoot down small planes and remote-controlled missiles etc trying to crash into the stadium. We will have strict access-control measures,” Commissioner of Police T. Rajendran said.

There would be no sale of tickets on Sunday as all tickets were sold out. Stringent action would be taken against anybody trying to sell tickets at escalated prices.

“We have unconfirmed reports that some persons are selling tickets in the black market. Those found to be in possession of fake tickets will be arrested. Nobody will be allowed to exit and re-enter the stadium during the match,” Mr. Rajendran said.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Central Zone) M.C. Sarangan said eatables, water bottles or cameras will not be permitted into the stadium. Mobile phones will be subjected to check.

“We have installed state-of-the-art bomb detection equipment at all gates. Camera-mounted vehicles have been deployed on all roads leading to the venue. Motorcycle patrol vehicles are also being put to use in roads around the stadium.”

To avoid congestion and long queues at security checks, the police will allow spectators into the stadium from 11.30 a.m. onwards. The match begins at 2.30 p.m.

Security personnel will take positions on all high-rise buildings and the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) elevated corridor that runs close to the stadium.

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