Ahead of the arrests of six terror suspects in the state, Bengaluru police have stepped up security in the city and issued a ban on flying any unmanned aerial objects, including balloons and drones till Tuesday. Security checks in airports across the state have also been increased.
The prohibitory order, which was issued on Sunday said that the ban on unmanned aerial vehicles from January 24 to January 26, was issued under section 144 of criminal procedure code, reported TOI.
Bengaluru police commissioner NS Megharikh’s order read: “In exercise of powers conferred under section 144 of the code of criminal procedure, 1973, I, NS Megharikh, commissioner of police and district magistrate, Bengluru city, hereby prohibit the flying of all unmanned aerial objects, including drones, balloons, unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned aircraft system et, within the limits of Bengaluru city commissionerate on 24.01.2016, 25.01.2016 and 26.01.2016.”
Bengaluru police have been pushed to take these measures to maintain general security after the arrest of men with Islamic State (IS), who were allegedly plotting a nationwide terror strike, reported Times of India.
Megharikh, however, confirmed that there are no specific inputs about aerial threats but they would be used as a platform to strike.
“We are not taking any chances and banned drones, considering it is possible that terrorist could use drones," he said.
If anyone using drones are found in the city, especially in public places, cases will be booked, he added.
The New Indian Express reported that the security in Kempegowda airport has also been increased. A multi-layer security ring has been thrown across all airports, including Mangaluru, Hubbali and Belagavi airports in the run-up to Republic Day.