Security beefed up after intel input on terror strike

The Pulwama attack has triggered a series of security measures across the city in a bid to fortify the city against potential threats from terrorists. An intelligence input has warned of a possible terror attack in Gujarat in the wake of the last week's Pulwama bus bombing, prompting the state government to review overall security arrangements on Monday.

CM Vijay Rupani reviewed security arrangements and preparedness of the state police at a meeting in Gandhinagar where he sought views of top officials about the security set up at vulnerable places such as the Statue of Unity in Narmada district, the Sardar Sarovar Dam and Somnath temple among others.

Ahmedabad police commissioner A K Singh issued three notifications to beef up security and enhance restrictions on people renting out their premises to anti-national elements. The police chief's circular cites intelligence inputs that terrorists and anti-social elements take refuge secretly in rented places to disrupt peace and security causing huge loss to human lives and property. The terrorists stay at discreet places and give shape to their evil designs and it has become necessary to put stringent restrictions on such activities. Singh has directed residential and commercial property owners to provide details in a specified format to the police stations. Owners who have rented out houses, industrial units, offices, shops, godowns, cold storages have been asked to provide details of those it has been rented to, date when it was let out, and IDdocuments.

The order will be in force for 60 days from February 22. Moreover, jewellery shops, angadia firms, shopping malls, multiplexes, theatres, commercial centres, three-star and above hotels have been asked to install high resolution CCTV cameras. While the entrance to such places will have security guard with metal detectors, security cameras are to be installed even in parking, basement, on all floors along with security guard.

Even restaurants, guesthouses, lodging and boarding facilities, religious places, circuit houses, rest houses, commercial centres, petrol pumps, toll plazas, multi-storeyed buildings and power houses will have to install CCTV cameras.

Police forces at Ahmedabad railway station have been put on high alert on orders from the Centre after the Pulwama attack. The RPF and GRP have been conducting checks at the biggest railway station in the state with more than 25-30 personnel and officers.

Bomb and dog squads are carrying out intensive checks on vehicles and passengers at Kalupur station.

RPF PI Gracious Fernandez said, "We are on high alert and anti-sabotage activities are being carried out daily."

GRP DIG Gautam Parmar said, "We have initiated checks at all stations with emphasis on major junctions like Ahmedabad and Vadodara ."