Para-gliding banned in Mumbai for 15 days

The Mumbai Police on Monday banned paragliding in the city for the next 15 days following an intelligence alert that terror groups could launch an attack using paragliders.

The Mumbai Police on Monday banned paragliding in the city for the next 15 days following an intelligence alert that terror groups could launch an attack using paragliders.

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Police Commissioner D. Sivanandhan, however, said there were no specific inputs about terror strikes.

“We are being imaginative and anticipating all kinds of possible attacks,” Sivanandhan said.

“There is nothing to be scared of, but keeping in mind the recent information about the purchase of a large number of paragliding equipment by some unknown people, we have decided to impose the ban,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Himanshu Roy.

Last week intelligence agencies had received information about the purchase of 50 pieces of paragliding equipment by anonymous persons.

Roy said several safety measures were being taken. “We are contacting all paragliding and adventure clubs,” he said adding that all high-rises have also been instructed to keep their terraces locked or keep a watch on those using the terrace.

All under-construction buildings are also being checked, said Roy. “We are also on the lookout at bus stops and railway stations for people who could be transporting paragliding equipment.”

Meanwhile, a meeting of senior police officers was held on Monday where measures to ensure an incident-free Republic Day were discussed. Roy said all policemen have been asked to report on duty and five State Reserve Police Force companies of 100 men each will be deployed in the city.