Date:08/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/08/stories/2008100859190400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Tight security for Test

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Australian and Indian cricketers will be subjected to the optimum security measures, including baggage search, as the first Test of Border-Gavaskar series commences on October 9 in the city.

“In the wake of recent blasts in various parts of the country, we have tightened security measures to the maximum. Every individual will have to undergo security check and 1,500 policemen will be deployed at the match,” G. Ramesh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Division), told The Hindu here on Tuesday. Along with several platoons of KSRP and CAR, four DCPs, 12 Assistant Commissioner of Police, 25 police inspectors, 70 sub-inspectors have been assigned work at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, he said.

In the wake of recent terror attacks, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) was instructed to upgrade its security and the KSCA has decided to install CCTVs at the stadium.

Round-the-clock vigil

“Apart from these arrangements, sufficient number of Dog Squads, Bomb Disposal Squads, Ambulances and Fire Tenders will keep ready round the clock near the stadium as well as star hotels, where the cricketers will stay. Metal detectors will be installed at all the gates and the spectators would be allowed in only after proper frisking”, he said.

Meanwhile, the VVIP Division of the Bangalore City Police has also taking some measures during the test match.

“Nearly 40 dignitaries from both the teams are visiting the city. An ACP and a Superintendent of Police would be deployed for VVIPs security. The hotel authorities and KSCA have installing CCTVs,” he said.