Cops put trains, malls on high alert ahead of festive season

THE POLICE ARE CHECKING ALL LODGES AND LOWEND ACCOMMODATIONS, WHERE OWNERS DON’T ASK FOR ID PROOFS

Central intelligence agencies have put Mumbai’s crowded local trains, public processions and malls full shoppers on high alert ahead of Diwali, and have asked the railways and city police to beef up security.

The alert, issued last week, says explosives may be mixed with firecrackers for attacks, but there was no mention of a specific target or time. Police source said the alert mentions crowded local trains, public processions and gatherings and places of heavy footfall for festive shopping “All the police police have been asked to gather ground-level intelligence to ascertain the veracity of the threat and they have been asked to ensure best co-ordination among themselves,” said a police officer.

All the wings and units of the Mumbai police, along with the Government Railway Police tion Force (RPF), have been put on alert following the intelli gence update. The anti-terror cells (ATCS) across the city and the railway police station formed to gather terror-related intelligence, are also coordinat ing with each other. The railway police have been asked to increase personnel on the rail way stations and to conduct req uisite security checks.

“The railway police have begun conducting anti-sabotage checks and surprise drills on stations, which includes check ing commuters’ luggage. Each of the 17 railway police stations is conducting at least three mock drills ” said another