Bengaluru police has issued a notice to all its personnel to remain on high alert in the city on Saturday. The advisory issued by the commissioner directs additional and deputy commissioners to sensitise high alert at all iconic Bengaluru areas like Vidhana Soudha, High Court, railway stations, metro stations, bus stations, major schools, malls, five-star hotels and busy markets. Police will also ensure CCTV cameras are functioning in all areas and there will be visible police presence at check posts.
“There should be a high level police presence and visibility at the jurisdictional level until further orders,” said Bhaskar Rao, Bengaluru city police commissioner speaking to The Hindu.
He further attempted to downplay the alert describing it as an exercise to evaluate the preparation of the city police in the face of threats. He added that the alert was sounded for a 'general' threat and not for anything specific.
However, Bengaluru police commissioner Bhaskar Rao has dismissed rumours that the alert was issued after the possibility of a "terror cell" active in Bengaluru.
The advisory, among other things, also indicates the following: posting of pickets; ensure all CCTVs are working in respective areas; high level of police visibility; unattended vehicles and baggage to be seized; night round officers to check all the vehicles at borders and detain suspicious vehicles; PG hostels, service apartments, accommodation near religious places to be checked.
Checks will be carried out at paying guest accommodations, service apartments, hostels and private buildings.
Security arrangements across major towns and cities in the state have also been beefed up, reported the Times of India. In Mangaluru, police officials have been told to increase security at temples, mosques, churches, malls, bus stations, railway stations, and other sensitive areas.
Meanwhile, the devastating floods in Karnataka have claimed the lives of 65 people so far. Water levels have receded in most flood-hit areas on Friday.
On Friday, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa met PM Modi who assured him of central aid to speed up relief works in the flood-hit districts.