High alert sounded in Delhi, security at malls and markets enhanced

Security has been increased manifold at markets and malls. There were announcements made from the loud speaker at each market. The beat officers visited the hotels in their areas and asked all hotel managers to check the identity of every guest. A SENIOR OFFICER, Delhi Police

NEW DELHI: Security at busy markets, malls and temples in Delhi was enhanced on Sunday, following intelligence reports of a possible terror attack on the city.

The intelligence report mentioned that 10 members of a banned terror module had entered India via Gujarat and were likely to carry out a terrorist strike in Delhi.

Delhi Police officially denied receiving any such report and said on weekends the security is usually heightened at market places. Police sources, however, said a high alert had been declared and that in the police stations such as Lajpat Nagar, Saket, Connaught Place and Sarojini Nagar — hubs of markets and malls — police personnel were briefed in the morning to remain alert and conduct extensive patrolling.

The input specifically asked for places with high footfall to be monitored through CCTVS and increased patrolling. At vital installations like India Gate, there was increased security with the SWAT team and SWAT vehicle parked at ready to handle any terror threat.

Special care is being taken to ensure foolproof security at all major temples in view of the Mahashivratri celebrations.

“Security has been increased manifold at markets and malls. There were announcements made from the loud speaker at each market. The beat officers visited the hotels in their areas and asked all hotel managers to check the identity of every guest,” said a senior police officer.

Beginning Monday, police will also increase security at schools which have also been mentioned in the Intelligence Bureau advisory. Police sources said that a meeting of senior officers will be held at the police headquarters on Monday morning.

The Special Cell and Crime Branch of Delhi Police have been briefed about the input separately, so that activities of gangs operating in and around the city and elements with suspected terror links can be monitored, reported PTI.