BENGALURU: With tensions between India and Pakistan escalating, the Intelligence Department in the state has highlighted the need for increased security at places frequented by a large number of citizens and at vital installations and infrastructure.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Intelligence Hemant Nimbalkar has called for increased security at Metro, rail and bus stations across the state, airports, administrative buildings, defence installations, research centres, reservoirs, satellite centres, electricity and nuclear installations, ports, industrial areas, software parks, petroleum and gas pipelines and depots, shopping malls, star hotels and embassies.
The Intelligence department has also flagged the need for enhancing security at residential buildings, heavy industries, major temples, mosques and churches, amusement parks and other such facilities where a large number of people congregate.
In Kalaburagi, the police and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) conducted checks at sensitive locations incuding Sardar Vallabhbai Patel Circle, DC’s office, bus stand and railway station.
At the Hubballi railway station, which boasts of the world’s longest railway platform, the Railway Protection Force conducted checks on the Vande Bharat train along with metal detectors and the sniffer dog squad. They also combed the entire railway station and armed personnel were checking all trains and baggages of passengers.
The railway police also checked trains and passengers, along with their baggage at the Hassan railway station. In Haveri and Ranebennur, the police combed the railway and bus stations, markets and even parking lots.
Mock drills were also held at important installations in different parts of the state on Saturday. At the Tungabhadra dam in Hosapete, the Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF) conducted a mock drill while the sniffer dog squad and anti-terror unit conducted a sweep. Experts also briefed the personnel on protection of the dam in the event of a war.
In Mysuru, a mock drill was conducted at the world famous Msyuru palace. A preparatory meeting had earlier been chaired by the deputy commissioner. A mock drill, under Operation Abhyas, was also held at the Raichur Thermal Power Station helipad at Shakti Nagar. In Tumakuru too, mock drills were conducted a the railway and bus stations and the Inspection Bungalow.
