Police tell hotels, malls to beef up security

Hotels and other commercial establishments in Pune could lose their licences if they do not install security measures.

Hotels and other commercial establishments in Pune could lose their licences if they do not install security measures.

HT Image

Pune Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh said all three-star and five-star hotels and malls have been asked to install metal detectors and closed-circuit television cameras.

The move comes five days after unknown persons planted a bomb in German Bakery at Koregaon Park. The explosion killed 11 people.

He added that all encroachments on commercial establishments will be demolished. “I have spoken to the municipal commissioner in this regard,” Singh said.

He said information technology companies have also been told to stay alert. “We have asked the firms to check identity cards before allowing people in.”

Cyber cafés have also been instructed to keep a watch on customers. “The address or phone number [which customers enter in record books] may be wrong but if their pictures are taken and kept as a record then it will be better for policing,” said Singh.

Singh said combing operations are being carried out at various locations in Pune but refused to divulge details. He said more people have been questioned. “The quantity of RDX used was not large,” he said, adding that a report from National Security Guard, which visited the blast site on Wednesday, was awaited.

Singh refused to comment on whether a local hand was involved in the attack.