Despite authorities issuing periodic advisories on the need to improve checking, security practices at public places in the twin cities continues to be lax making them ‘soft targets' for terrorists.
The namesake frisking and checking being taken up at public places likes malls, cinemas, popular hangouts and at parks cause concern to everyone in the backdrop of Wednesday's bomb blasts in Mumbai. The lethargy on the vital security aspect is all the more visible since most of the door-frame metal detectors, surveillance cameras and hand-held metal detectors have become defunct and remain as mere accessories put up for exhibition. Checking of baggage is at its minimum at the Railway stations and bus stations in the State capital.
Untrained personnel
A closer look at the security in most commercial establishments in the twin cities reveals their vulnerability for acts of terror. In some shopping complexes, vehicles entering the premises are not checked properly. After parking, the vehicle owner has to enter the mall through the staircase at the back where frisking is not done.
In cinema theatres, vehicles are not subjected to scrutiny at the main gate. Untrained personnel deployed at the entry point check visitors without a hand-held metal detector while door-frame metal detectors in many instances have gone out of order. A person can go out during intermission and re-enter the hall by showing his ticket. At the time of second entry, he is not checked at all, said police officials.
Cloakrooms have been provided for the viewers to deposit their belongings while entering the movie hall. However, most of the theatres stopped playing audio CDs provided by the police highlighting preventive measures to be taken if anyone notices abandoned objects or those moving suspiciously.
Managements of these establishments had come forward to install foolproof security measures after blasts at Mecca Masjid, Lumbini Park and Gokul Chat in 2007 but continued to ignore them.
Close vigil
Senior police officials pointed out that security overhaul in public places should be done in the wake of Wednesday's serial blasts in Mumbai.
A close vigil should be maintained on those wearing cargo trousers and carrying jackets, bulky bags and backpacks, they advised.
City Police Commissioner A.K. Khan said that anti-sabotage checks were on at public areas since Wednesday night. “We are taking all precautionary measures in coordination with other wings in the department,” he added.
