Police to conduct background checks for May 1 parade

In the backdrop of the recent Boston and Bangalore blasts the Mumbai police will conduct background checks of all those involved in providing logistical support to this year’s Maharashtra Day parade at Shivaji Park, Dadar on May 1.

In the backdrop of the recent Boston and Bangalore blasts the Mumbai police will conduct background checks of all those involved in providing logistical support to this year’s Maharashtra Day parade at Shivaji Park, Dadar on May 1.

HT Image

The police will check for any past criminal cases or possible terror links on all workers part of the logistical teams for the parade.

The police will also deploy special units such as the quick response team at various places in and around the venue.

Officials said that the police will also write to the civil aviation department, in order to ask them to declare the area around Shivaji Park a no-flying zone.

The police have said that they will also conduct anti-sabotage checks at various spots in the city, with the focus on Dadar, where the parade will be held from 7am to around 10am.

The parade, which will be held to mark the foundation of the state, will be attended by governor KK Sankaranarayanan, chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, senior members of the state cabinet and senior members of various consulates.

“We do not have any specific terror or threat alert, but as VIPs will be present for the function, we are taking proper precautions,” said Madhukar Pandey, additional commissioner of police (special protection unit).

The police will also position themselves at vantage points around Shivaji Park to spot any trouble.

Around 3,000 policemen will also be on bandobast duty at various points and traffic curbs will be put in place.

Parking in and around Shivaji Park is likely to be banned for a few hours.