The city police are not taking any chances after Wednesday’s Bangalore blast.
A 13-hour day-and-night check across the city on Thursday resulted in the seizure of 140 vehicles including 46 abandoned two-wheelers. According to the police, the vehicle check began around 9 p.m. on Wednesday and went on till 7 a.m. on Thursday.
However, the police said, the checks were not a one-time measure and would be carried out intensively, round-the-clock, at vulnerable spots.
Unlike routine vehicle inspections, which mostly focus on drunken driving, the ongoing checks are targeted at vehicles and drivers without valid documents.
Apart from the 46 abandoned vehicles, the special police teams, comprising five policemen each, seized 94 vehicles including 79 two-wheelers for drunken driving.
“Many checkpoints were set up at important places across the city. Entry and exit points in the city were continuously monitored,” said a senior police officer.
Further, the police presence in sensitive areas including crime-infested regions in north Chennai like Pulianthope, Vyasarpadi, Washermenpet, Royapuram, Kasimedu and Basin Bridge, has been increased to monitor movement of vehicles including container lorries and cars with tinted glasses.
The police also conducted tenant verification in guest houses, lodges and mansions, and interacted with cyber café owners in some areas.
The city police are also keeping a tab on second-hand car dealers, transporters, property dealers, cycle sellers, chemical dealers and STD/ISD/PCO booth owners across the city.
“Deputy commissioners have been asked to hold detailed meetings with their teams on a daily basis to gain first-hand knowledge on safety in their sphere of operation,” said a police officer.
Security has also been enhanced in public places including bus termini, railway stations, airport, commercial complexes and religious places. Besides, a list of inter-State criminals involved in grave offences, repeat offenders and gangs is being monitored.
Bomb disposal squad and police dogs are on standby to attend to any emergency situation. “A five-tier security system is in place at the airport,” said a police officer attached to the airport.
