BackBengaluru on high alert, cops say it's only a security preparedness drill
Both additional commissioners and deputy commissioners of police in their jurisdiction are strictly instructed to sensitize high alert at all iconic installationsThe installations include Vidhana Soudha, Vikas Soudha, High Court, all railway stations, Bengaluru Metro among others
PremiumBengaluru: The Bengaluru police has issued an advisory to all its personnel to remain on high alert across the city on Saturday.
“This has been issued just to keep my force on high alert and see how they respond," Bhaskar Rao, Bengaluru city police commissioner said, downplaying the advisory.
He said that this was an exercise to see how well prepared the city’s police would be in the face of such threats. However, the tone and tenor of the advisory points towards a more serious issue for a city that is home to strategic establishments that include Indian Space Research Organisation, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited among several other defence set ups.
“It is a general alert from intelligence," a senior police official from Bengaluru said, requesting not to be named.
The advisory directs both additional commissioners and deputy commissioners to sensitize high alert at all iconic installations like Vidhana Soudha, Vikas Soudha, High Court, all Railway Stations, Bengaluru Metro, BMTC, KSRTC bus stations, high end schools, malls, five star hotels and markets with high foot falls.
The measures to be taken include pointing out pickets, ensuring that CCTVs in all areas are functioning, visible police presence, check posts, checking of vehicles and suspicious elements among other actions.
Bengaluru, among other cities across the country, witnessed heightened policing before Independence Day.
Rao said that this was just an exercise, which would also try to involve the services of private security personnel.
“Bengaluru is home to 4.5 lakh private security personnel and we want to see how we can involve them," Rao said, adding that they were first respondents and could help in aiding the police in their work during such times.
Rao said the alert issued was only part of an exercise and nothing more. He has asked his officials to be on night rounds, check all guest houses and other accommodation near religious places and also asked the Central Armed Reserve to provide three parties per division.
Media reports indicated of sanitisation activities in other parts of the state as well.
The alert comes at a time when Karnataka has faced one of its worst natural calamities.
At least 65 human and 941 animals have so far lost their lives in the rains and floods that have lashed Karnataka in the last two weeks recording 279% more rain than normal from 3-10 August, which is the highest in the last 118 years. 14 people are still missing.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
