A crude explosive substance containing about 200 grams of gun powder was reportedly found lying on Wednesday near a shopping mall at a short distance from the Cantonment police station.
On information, police cordoned off the area and took possession of the substance.
The explosive in a plastic container used for ice cream cups was taken to an open ground and diffused by a team attached to the city unit of Bomb Disposal and Detection Squad.
There were no splinters inside, but the sound from the blast could have been powerful enough to create a scare among the public, a police source said, suspecting the role of miscreants in creating panic in connection with the anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition on December 6.
A car without number plate found in the vicinity of the district court complex added to the curiosity of the public. Police said the owner, a city resident, was subsequently identified and there was nothing untoward.
Meanwhile, the city police have made elaborate security arrangements. Police pickets will be posted at 41 points, including the district collectorate, BSNL office, places of worship and other spots of high public confluence. Near the places of worship, BDDS teams will be stationed round the clock, a senior official said.
Thirteen Assistant Commissioners, 24 inspectors, 79 sub inspectors, 754 personnel, and 100 home guards will keep vigil all through the day, the official informed.
The Government Railway Police and the Railway Protection Force have also taken extra-precautionary measures.
Movement of the passengers was being monitored with cameras and those found loitering were questioned. Passengers were being thoroughly frisked and their baggage being checked with scanners.