Just a day after Bengaluru Metro staff prevented a passenger from boarding the train due to suspicious behaviour, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation have begun conducting surprise checks of passengers at bus station across the city. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd has also asked security personnel at all metro stations to be on high alert.
On Monday, a passenger, who triggered the red alert of the metal detector at the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Metro Station, also known as Majestic Station, escaped from the spot when asked to show the belt-like device under his kurta.
A while later, the man tried to enter the metro station from the southern entrance. When the metro staff tried to catch him, he escaped. The incident has been caught on CCTV cameras installed at the metro station and the Upparpet Police are currently investigating the matter.
Following the incident, a high alert has been issued at all metro stations in the city. Speaking to TNM, Yeshwanth Chavan, spokesperson for BMRCL said that after the suspicious activity was reported, the police have issued a high alert at the stations.
“We have asked our staff to be on high alert and conduct thorough checks. The staff has been instructed to strictly monitor the checking of bags as well as body check through hand-held metal detectors. We have not deployed any additional security personnel but have asked existing staff members to be on alert,” he added.
The two bus stations nearby have also started surprise checking of passengers. “The number of home guards at the Majestic Bus Stand has been increased to 28. Since there are no high compound walls, they have to keep watch in the periphery of the bus station. There are 32 CCTV cameras recording the movements of people in the area,” a KSRTC official said.
Anupam Agarwal, head of BMTC’s security and vigilance division told TNM that the transport body is scanning passengers and that bags would be checked if anyone reports suspicious activities.
Speaking to TNM, DCP West Ravi D Channannavar said, “Yes, we have been informed of suspicious activity here. The man tried to enter from the eastern side and left when the security guard asked him to show him his belt. He again tried to enter from the southern side and when the security guard tried to catch him, he ran away,” he added.
Three teams have been formed to nab the suspicious man. Police say that they are investigating whether it was a prank or whether the man actually posed a security threat. “There is no need to panic. I request the public to not indulge in fear mongering and please do not spread fake news. The city has been put on high alert due to attacks in Sri Lanka but there is not need to be fearful,” he added.