The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Security agencies put on high alert

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Friday, Jan 09, 2009
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Security agencies put on high alert

S. Vijay Kumar

This followed a threat to the Prime Minister

CHENNAI: Security agencies were put on high alert following a threat to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was here to inaugurate the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2009’ at the Chennai Trade Centre on Thursday.

An unidentified caller from London informed the city police at around 5.30 a.m. that four or five suicide bombers had entered Tamil Nadu with the intention of attacking Dr. Singh and disrupting the convention in which delegates from different parts of the world are participating.

The call was made to two telephone numbers, including the Muthayalpet police station, police sources said.

While Central and State intelligence agencies launched an investigation to track the source and credibility of the information, the Chennai Suburban Police tightened security measures at the airport, Chennai Trade Centre and the Maduravoyal junction, venue of the foundation stone laying function for the elevated corridor in which Dr. Singh took part.

Armed guards were deployed at hotels where the delegates are accommodated.

Special team

“The call has been traced to London. A special team of the cyber crime cell is investigating the matter. The caller might have taken the telephone numbers from the Internet. Some delegates from the United Kingdom are also participating in this meeting of Indian diaspora,” Commissioner of Police K. Radhakrishnan told The Hindu.

The Intelligence Bureau headquarters was informed about the threat immediately. “They (the IB) are taking up the issue with the High Commission of India in London. The caller apparently warned of a suicide attack on the Prime Minister by four or more extremist elements. However, no information was made available about the involvement of any organisation. Video footage captured by surveillance cameras installed at vantage points will be scrutinised,” a top police officer said.

Besides traffic diversions and heightened security arrangements, the police maintained strict access-control at the venue. A thorough anti-sabotage check was conducted by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad. A few threat letters or mails were also received ahead of the VVIP visit, the sources added.

“The intelligence machinery was geared up and police personnel on duty were sensitised to the threat. Vigil was intensified at vulnerable areas and police kept a close watch on the movement of suspicious persons,” Chennai Suburban Police Commissioner S.R. Jangid said.

Confirming the threat call, Director General of Police K.P. Jain said the police were closely following the information. “We are trying to get to the bottom of it.”

Amid tight security, Dr. Singh left Chennai by 12.30 p.m. by a special Indian Air Force plane for Calicut.

President Pratibha Patil will arrive here on Friday to participate in the valedictory of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

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