Tight security in view of verdict

Monday turned out to be like any other normal day in and around Mecca Masjid and the historic Charminar, after the NIA Special Court judge pronounced the verdict in the sensational Mecca Masjid blast.

However, anticipating trouble, unprecedented security cordon was deployed around the place of worship where a powerful bomb blast killed 14 persons on May 18, 2007, while five others died in subsequent police firing on a riotous mob.

As many as 1,500 policemen were deployed in the Old City, besides closely monitoring the CCTV cameras in the area. Namazis and tourists visiting the mosque were requested to cooperate with the police in conducting frisking and checking for their own safety. A day ahead of the verdict, top brass of the South Zone held discussions with the religious leaders of both Hindu and Muslim communities to accept the final judgment and maintain harmony.

V. Satyanarayana, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Zone, along with other officials monitored the situation keenly all through till the evening. He said that no untoward incident was reported in the area and security was intensified during the afternoon prayer. “Around 50 armed police pickets were posted in the area and security was boosted even during the evening,” he said. Mr. Satyanaraya said the police had kept a track on the history-sheeters. Darsgah-Jihah-O-Shahadat (DJS) activists tried to burn some papers but the police foiled their bid and whisked them away.