In the wake of terror threats in Tamil Nadu, police in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh have issued a high-alert, and stepped up their vigilance on Monday. Police have created additional checkposts to check vehicles, besides conducting raids in lodges and hotels, and increasing vigilance in public places like bus stops. Police are also frisking devotees and checking their baggage.
On Saturday, a red-alert was issued in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu as six Lashkar-Taiba (LeT) terrorists had allegedly infiltrated the state. Taking note of this incident, Tirupati police have taken up precautionary measures to prevent any incidents.
Speaking to media, Tirupati SP, KKN Anburajan said, “We are on a high-alert. Though we did not receive any specific intelligence from any central agency, as our neighboring state is on alert, we have acknowledged it and have taken precautions.”
Detailing the security measures in place, he said, “We are conducting raids on hotels, lodges, dhabas. If anyone has not submitted their verified IDs or were found to be suspicious, we are taking them into detention. Already we have nine permanent check posts in place, following the alert, we have created 10 more check posts in discreet locations for checking vehicles.”
The SP further added that devotees need not panic, and that it is extremely safe to visit Tirupati.
According to media reports, on Thursday, the Coimbatore city police received intelligence inputs that about six LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba) terrorists infiltrating Tamil Nadu through Sri Lanka. According to the intelligence report, the group consists of one Pakistani national and five Sri Lankan Tamil Muslims.
Subsequently, Coimbatore, Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts were put on red-alert. In Vellore, a Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) inspected the Golden Temple and the Sripuram Hospital.
Security was enhanced in airports and railway stations. Vehicle checks and random checks were put in place in crowded places in the region and 10 Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) were stationed at strategic points in Coimbatore.