With the Make In India Week coming just after the arrest of alleged Islamic State (IS) members across the country, including Mumbai and Thane, the Mumbai Police are planning heavy security for the event.
Police sources said the first meeting to discuss security measures was held between State government officials and top police officers on Monday, and that there will be a series of high-level meetings over the next few days. Senior police officers have cancelled all appointments in the days leading up to the event except for the absolutely crucial ones, so that security cover can be discussed every evening. The events will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Central and State government ministers and delegates from several countries through. The events are also expected to witness high footfall, giving rise to a security concern.
“We are planning a three-layer security cordon around venues like the Bandra Kurla Complex, the Girgaum sea face and the Gateway of India,” said a senior Mumbai Police officer.
“While one layer will be inside the venues, the second layer will be around the periphery and the third layer in the form of patrol teams around the venues. ‘Access control’ is crucial as the sheer number of people attending the events could provide a near perfect cover for terrorist or criminal elements to slip in. No one will be allowed without having to pass through Door Frame Metal Detectors and full body checks, and no baggage will be allowed under any conditions.”
The Mumbai Police have already stepped up interaction with Central intelligence agencies on a daily basis to get an idea of the possible threat perception in light of repeated inputs in recent times about the IS striking India and the revelations that have come with the recent busting of the Janood-ul-Khalifa-e-Hind (Army of the Caliph of India), the alleged IS module in India.
“Intelligence gathering at ground level has been underway for some days now, with Anti-Terror Cells of all police stations working round the clock,” another officer said.
“We have begun random checks and nakabandis across the city as well. The entire manpower of the force, along with six companies of the State Reserve Police Force, which have been in Mumbai since last year, will be pressed into service. Crime Branch personnel will be mingling with the crowds in plain clothes.”
Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Deven Bharti said, “We will be providing adequate security cover across the city to ensure there are no untoward incidents during the Make In India week.”
Other measure include checking with hotels and lodges in the city and on the outskirts to check credentials of all those who have checked in during the days leading up to the event as well as during the event, checking with sources in large slum pockets, where rooms are easily available for rent on a ‘no-questions-asked’ basis. The police will also be looking out for any information about weapons or other contraband being smuggled into the city.
