Date:06/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/06/stories/2008120658950100.htm

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Rapid Action Force deployed

S. Vijay Kumar and P. Oppili

— Photo: M. Karunakaran

SAFETY FIRST: Security personnel checking a train at Chennai Central.

CHENNAI: Two companies of Rapid Action Force drawn from the Central Reserve Police Force were deployed in Chennai and its suburbs as part of the heightened security arrangements, Director-General of Police K.P. Jain said on Friday.

Stating that intensified security and surveillance at vital installations across the State would continue till further orders, he said instructions had been given to deploy personnel of the Tamil Nadu Commando Force, Special Task Force and Tamil Nadu Special Police at vantage points depending upon the requirement.

Baggage frisking

Inspector-General of Police (Railways) G.U.G. Shastry said passengers were requested to reach the railway station at least one hour ahead of the scheduled departure of the train to facilitate baggage frisking. Southern Railway suspended issue of platform tickets for three days beginning December 5.

Escorts of senior citizens or physically challenged passengers could seek the assistance of Chief Booking Supervisor for entry tickets.

Parking of vehicles would not be permitted during the above period.

Commandos at airport

At the Chennai airport, about 20 commandos were deployed late on Thursday. Armed guards would patrol the vulnerable areas, airport sources said.

The men divided in two groups were led by an officer in the rank of a Sub-Inspector of Police.

Vehicle checking

A posse of police personnel from the Chennai Suburban Commissionerate was entrusted with the task of checking vehicles entering both the domestic and international terminals.

“Vehicles are being allowed to enter the airport premises only after a thorough check,” said a senior police officer.