Security tightened in Karnataka

Inspector-General of Police (Internal Security and Railways) Bhaskar Rao said patrolling in trains and railway stations has been intensified as an additional security measure ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

“Keeping in mind the chaos that followed in Mumbai as a repercussion of the Assam riots, we have heightened security measures across the State,” Mr. Rao told The Hindu .

The number of personnel deployed to guard trains and railway stations has been increased.

However, he denied that the State had received any intelligence inputs from the Centre about a possible terror strike. “It is a routine measure. We heighten security every Independence Day, Republic Day and during festivals,” he said.

However, a PTI report said the Railway Police are on high alert in Karnataka in the wake of threats by suspected terror groups, operating from Mysore, to carry out blasts on some trains plying from here on the eve of Independence Day, a senior Railway official said.

‘Intelligence inputs’

“We have received intelligence inputs from Delhi. Some suspected terror groups in Mysore have threatened to carry out blasts on some trains. Our officers are on alert, especially in Mysore,” DIG (Railways) B. Srikantappa told reporters here.

Mr. Srikantappa said tracks are being inspected along with the Regional Security Commissioner.

“We have to be alert on the eve of August 15. As we will be busy with security that day, they (suspected terror groups) might exploit this opportunity,” he said.

He said additional police personnel were being sent to Mysore.

Round-the-clock vigil is on at railway stations across the State, especially Bangalore and Mysore. Passengers are being thoroughly checked as also their luggage, he said.

But, Mr. Rao termed the report “incorrect”. “Our security measures are not confined to Mysore and Bangalore. We have mounted vigil even in Gulbarga, along the State border with Goa, and generally across the State.” He said there was no need for the public to panic.