Egged on by police, shopping malls, schools rev up security

In the wake of the threat e-mail sent on Thursday purportedly by the Indian Mujahideen (IM) about the outfit's plan to target a shopping centre in the capital on Tuesday, the Delhi Police is taking all precautionary measures and has asked all shopping malls and educational institutions to be extra vigilant. HT reports.

In the wake of the threat e-mail sent on Thursday purportedly by the Indian Mujahideen (IM) about the outfit's plan to target a shopping centre in the capital on Tuesday, the Delhi Police is taking all precautionary measures and has asked all shopping malls and educational institutions to be extra vigilant.

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“We have appealed to all the malls to get CCTVs installed at the earliest. Ground deployment is essential but having a security apparatus can surely help augment it,” Delhi police commissioner BK Gupta said on Friday.

Malls have been told to regulate the entry of visitors and intensify searching and frisking. Beat officers of the concerned police stations have been given special instructions. Similar guidelines have been issued to all the educational institutions, police said.

Mock security drills in Gurgaon

Gurgaon police will carry out mock drills at all crowded places, including malls and office complexes of various multinational companies. City police commissioner SS Deswal held a meeting with top police officials on Friday.

“The mock drills will help in knowing the resources and equipment available. We would take action against the mall authorities, in case of any security lapse,” he said.

Deswal said the police are keeping strict vigil in markets, hotels, Metro stations and other places of public gathering.

“We are on high alert after the Delhi blast. We don't want to take any risk.”

Security beefed up at schools

School authorities in Delhi have enhanced security arrangements in their premises.

“Security guards are usually strict but we have told them to be extra vigilant now. Any unclaimed bag should be immediately reported and no one will be allowed to enter without an appointment and identity card,” said Usha Ram, principal, Laxman Public School.

Students have also been asked to be aware of their surroundings. “We have asked the children not to touch any unclaimed objects and report them to any older person,” said Madhulika Sen, principal, Tagore International School, Vasant Vihar.

Shopping malls across NCR have also tightened security.