Date:06/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/06/stories/2007120654610100.htm

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Tight security in State

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: Security in the State has been tightened in view of the 15th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, Director-General of Police K.R. Srinivasan said on Wednesday after a review meeting with Governor Rameshwar Thakur and his advisers.

Nine battalions, apart from City Armed Reserve and District Armed Reserve forces, have been deployed throughout the State, he said. Sensitive places, with a history of communal riots, had been identified and senior police personnel deployed in these areas, Mr. Srinivasan said.

He declined to name the sensitive areas and the number of personnel deployed.

Cover for teams

In view of the threats from terrorist outfits, the Bangalore police have made unprecedented security arrangements at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here, the venue of the third and final cricket Test match between India and Pakistan beginning Saturday.

Besides, the police have heightened security at Hotel Grand Ashok where the two teams, which arrived here on Wednesday, will be staying.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) B.N.S. Reddy told The Hindu on Wednesday that besides deploying around 2,250 policemen, authorities would set up a disaster management cell at the stadium in coordination with 18 departments. Safety of spectators was equally important, he added. A Deputy Commissioner of Police would camp there till the two teams vacated the hotel.