Security in the city and its neighbouring areas was beefed up by the city police on the eve of Independence Day.
Security has been stepped up at vital installations across the city, and religious places, malls, multiplexes and other tourist attractions. A general alert has been sounded and meetings are being conducted with people and managements of places where a large number of footfall is reported.
“Most of the police officers has been deployed for security arrangements while all possible precautionary measures have been taken,” said Deven Bharti, joint commissioner of police (law and order).
The Mumbai police have appealed to people to stay alert and not to believe in rumours. “Citizens should immediately dial 100 or alert a policeman nearby if they spot any suspicious object or person,” said Bharti.
The Mumbai police have recently conducted mock-drills to check the city’s preparedness.
Officials added that all the senior inspectors of 93 police stations have been asked to conduct a security audit of their areas and take necessary steps in co-ordination with senior officers. The Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel have also been asked to stay vigilant and ensure security is tightened at the suburban railway stations in the city and also the major terminuses. Sniffer dogs have been pressed into service.
The Mumbai police have imposed check points at strategic locations across the city and also at entry/exit points of the city. Vehicles are being checked while the traffic police too are on their toes to avoid any untoward incident.
{{/usCountry}}The Mumbai police have imposed check points at strategic locations across the city and also at entry/exit points of the city. Vehicles are being checked while the traffic police too are on their toes to avoid any untoward incident.
{{/usCountry}}Security measures have also been stepped up in South Mumbai, where vital governmental organisations will conduct flag-hoisting ceremonies and where there will be a large number of tourists.
Surprise nakabandis on the streets in the city and gathering of intelligence by the police’s anti-terror cells (ATCs) is also underway.
Combat vehicles will be posted at strategic locations. The coastal security has been beefed up with high-speed patrol boats have been put on continuous patrolling of the coasts.
GRP police commissioner, Niket Kaushik said, “Maximum staff has been mobilised. The security has been tightened from the past seven days. Anti-sabotage checks are on. They will continue on Monday as well. There is no specific alert.”