Police proposes to step up Mantralaya’s security

It figures in the hit list of terror groups

The Mumbai Police have submitted a proposal to the State government to turn the State Secretariat, Mantralaya, in Nariman Point into a high security area on a par with the city’s international airport in Andheri.

Police sources said the proposal was submitted this year to the Home Department after a survey of the existing security at the Mantralaya was conducted.

Sensitive area

A senior police officer said, “The Mantralaya is where senior politicians and bureaucreats work and hundreds of people from all over the State visit it on a daily basis. It is located in a sensitive area and is on the hit list of terror groups. Every year, many people attempt suicide in front of the Secretariat to protest against unmet demands.”

Last year, two people tried to commit suicide outside Mantralaya and 120 people called up the police threatening to kill themselves. The Mumbai Police has recommended raising the height of the compound wall, installing electric fences, ramping up surveillance screening of entrants.

Inquiries will be immediately launched into threats to commit suicide inside or outside Mantralaya. A report on the inquiry will be submitted to the government as soon as possible.