The city police have received an alert from central intelligence wings in the backdrop of the recent terror strike in Bihar’s Bodh Gaya. While there was no specific information, Hyderabad too was included among several other cities where security needed to be strengthened, City Police Commissioner Anurag Sharma said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Thirty anti-sabotage check squads were formed and were being used to scout all vulnerable places frequently. Malls, religious places, entertainment centres and other areas witnessing huge congregations were being thoroughly checked.
Managements of malls and shops were cautioned to employ only trained security personnel. The city police would also train private security teams and made alive to the detection of suspects and suspicious objects.
The police were also gearing up for the Ramzan and Bonalu festivals beginning from Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
“After 33 years, the two festivals are happening on near-simultaneous days. Security arrangements are being made accordingly,” Mr. Sharma affirmed.
The Golconda Bonalu would begin on Thursday at Golconda fort. The one at the Secunderabad Ujjain Mahankali would be held on July 28. The Old City Bonalu Ghata installation would happen the very next day. Bonalu and Ramzan would come to an end on August 8 and 9, respectively.
While Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy and Major Industries Minister J. Geetha Reddy reviewed arrangements for the festivals, the city police too held meetings with the local elders, religious leaders and temple committee members in different areas.
Additional teams of women police would be deployed for the Bonalu festival. Five additional SPs, 209 DSPs, 60 CIs, 80 SIs and over 700 constables and head constables were being drawn for bandobust arrangements. Contingents of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) would be deployed at sensitive areas.
CCTV cameras are being installed at important temples. Eventually, all religious places would be covered by the cameras.
Replying to a question, the Commissioner said action would be initiated against owners of malls and theatres not complying with the security norms. Provisions of the Public Security Act would be explained to them, stressing on the need for basic security arrangements in the interest of the public visiting these places.
Hotel collapse
Investigation into the City Light Hotel collapse would begin once the debris was removed, Mr. Sharma said, thanking CISF personnel for helping the police in salvage operations and in saving 11 lives. The angle of negligence of the hotel owner and the GHMC authorities too would be probed.
