The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Heightened security at Chennai airport

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Friday, Dec 05, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Heightened security at Chennai airport

S. Vijay Kumar and P. Oppili

This follows a threat of ‘Fidayeen attack’ to mark the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary

— Photo: A. Muralitharan

STRENGTHENING SECURITY: CISF personnel deployed at the Chennai Airport.

CHENNAI: Armed police personnel have been deployed at the Chennai airport early Thursday following a specific threat of ‘Fidayeen attack’ to mark the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary that falls on December 6.

Security was also tightened at the Delhi and Bangalore airports where a similar threat has been perceived.

Police sources said the Intelligence Bureau had intercepted a vital communication that revealed a conspiracy to hijack and blow up planes taking off from these airports. However, it was not certain which terrorist organisation had planned the attack, though one officer pointed to the ‘Indian Mujahideen.’

Commandos of the Central Industrial Security Force and Chennai Suburban Police were deployed strategically in and around the Chennai airport. Baggage of passengers was frisked even at the ladder point close to the aircraft.

“We have made foolproof security arrangements along with the CISF,” Chennai Suburban Commissioner S.R. Jangid said.

Citing an input given by the vigilance wing of the Airports Authority of India, a CISF official said terrorists had planned to take a consignment of RDX explosive stuffed in plastic containers and board planes in any of the three airports. Deputy Inspector-General of Police (CISF – South Zone) K. Jayanth Murali said 100 per cent checking of baggage was ensured in view of the specific threat. Strict access control was maintained to the tarmac.

Tamil Nadu Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) T. Rajendran said Central intelligence agencies had warned of possible attacks at the airport, three luxury hotels and a few more places.

“The input was that the terrorists would check into any of the three luxury hotels near the airport as guests and carry out their mission. We have posted adequate police personnel, including many in plainclothes, to keep tabs on suspicious persons at these hotels. Surveillance camera has been established at vulnerable areas,” he said.

While the Tamil Nadu Commando Force was put on alert, companies of the Tamil Nadu Special Police were deployed in important towns in the State to guard vital installations, including foreign embassy establishments. Police cover was also given to a private hospital and the Central railway station in Chennai, Mr. Rajendran said.

At the airport, two bunkers with sand bags – one at the domestic terminal and another at the international terminal –had been formed. The personnel at the bunkers were provided with automatic weapons including AK 47, said the CISF authorities.

In order to ensure adequate protection, the airlines were also asked to conduct checks on the baggage/cabin baggage before loading them onto the aircraft, said the CISF authorities.

Cricket match

In Chennai, Commissioner of Police K. Radhakrishnan reviewed the security arrangements for the India-England cricket match scheduled to be played at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium from December 11. Railway police have asked Southern Railway to suspend booking of parcels for the next three days as part of the security scheme.

The number of surveillance cameras at railway stations, bus stands and commercial streets was increased.

Night patrolling and vehicle checks were intensified in Chennai.

All incoming vehicles were subjected to a three-tier security check. Security was enhanced at areas of public gathering and places of worship, a senior police official said, adding that the Coastal Security Group was alerted to strengthen vigil along the coastline by coordinating with the Navy and Coast Guard.

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