Following intelligence alert that members of certain banned outfits have targeted the Vijayawada railway station, police recently convened a meeting with the South Central Railway (SCR) authorities and Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials.
“The busy Vijayawada railway station is said to be on the list of targets of banned outfits. We received information in this regard. We alerted railway intelligence officials and stepped up vigil in and around the station,” said a railway officer.
The development was preceded by information that activists of these outfits conducted a ‘recce’ of the Vijayawada station. Police, who were cautioned of SIMI activists’ movements, asked railway, RPF and Government Railway Police (GRP) to keep a tab on parking places, lounges, canteens, parcel rooms, waiting halls and ticket issuing counters.
“There is a possibility of these outlaws making trains their target, as an attack could lead to huge casualties. In the wake of SIMI activists’ movements and the encounters in Telangana State (TS), State, Central and railway intelligence officials discussed the security at the station, platforms and on moving trains,” railway officials said.
Speaking to The Hindu , Vijayawada Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Ashok Kumar said following three encounters in which three police officers, two suspected SIMI activists, including the notorious Vikaruddin, and his aides were killed, the intelligence and special branch wings of the RPF were alerted.
“We are in constant touch with local police and other investigating agencies. Movements of strangers are being observed using CCTVs arranged on platforms and other vantage points. Passengers are requested to alert railway officials or police about abandoned luggage, objects and vehicles,” Mr. Ashok Kumar said.
City Police Commissioner A.B. Venkateswara Rao said security had been beefed up at the railway station, and that police were coordinating with the RPF, GRP and railway officials.
Meanwhile, security has been stepped up at Dr. Narla Tata Rao Thermal Power Station and Gannavaram Airport.
