Security beefed up to thwart infiltration of armed group

Coimbatore: Men in khaki are guarding every nook and corner of the district following the intelligence input from the state police on possible infiltration of an armed group from Kerala to attack either Hindutva leaders or places of worship in the city or rural areas.
While the district rural police have tightened security at all the 14 check posts on Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, the city police have intensified vehicle checks in their jurisdiction by deploying more police personnel.
Earlier, the intelligence input from the state police has warned both the rural and city police of a possible infiltration of an armed group into the city or rural areas from the neighbouring state to assault select targets or make acts of sacrilege at religious places. There was also a direction to beef up security apparatus on border check posts by deploying a team of at least six cops each in two shifts at every check post.
Subsequently, the rural police have deployed a total of 168 cops at the 14 check posts and they would work in two shifts. They are armed with a short-range gun and long-range gun to face any eventuality.
The cops, who are posted at the check posts, would check the passengers in the public and private transport and their luggage. In addition, CCTV cameras would be fixed at all the check posts to monitor the incoming vehicles. An official said each check post would require a minimum of three CCTV cameras. “We have also been directed to conduct a meeting with omnibus, bus, taxi operators.”
District superintendent of police Sujit Kumar said he has been visiting at least four border check posts at Anaikatti, Walayar, Meenakshipuram and Gopalapuram daily to take stock of things. “Police protection has been given to the people, who are facing threat to life in both the (Hindu and Muslim) communities. In addition, we have deployed more than 1,100 cops in the rural areas for the night patrol. There will be police presence in every 5km radius.”
The officer said another 1,000 police personnel have been deployed in the city limits. “They would conduct vehicle checks at 40 places in the city.”
The city police would also sensitize the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) on ways to identify suspicious elements.