Tight hotel security after bomb threat

SECURITY forces were in a state of panic after the iconic Hotel Taj Mahal Palace near the Gateway of India and Hotel Taj Lands End in Bandra received threats of terror attacks on Tuesday.

The police swiftly beefed-up security outside both the hotels and launched an investigation into the calls.

The terror call was purportedly made from a number in Karachi, Pakistan, and the caller, who reportedly claimed to be a Lashkar-e-taiba operative, threatened to use bombs to blow up the hotel.

While the Mumbai police have not yet commented on the issue, the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), which runs the Taj group, issued a statement.

“We are proud to be a part of the fabric of this nation and the safety of our guests and associates is of paramount importance to us.

“We immediately alerted the authorities on receiving these calls and are providing full support and co-operation to the investigating agencies,” said an IHCL spokesperson.

“Our safety and security teams have ensured that all our protocols and guidelines are being followed towards safeguarding lives and assets.

“We would like to reassure our guests and associates that adequate steps are being taken towards the safety of the premises,” the spokesperson said.

The hotel was among the prime targets of Pakistani terrorists during the November 26, 2008 terror strikes.

Coming barely 24 hours after the attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi on June 29, the authorities took the threats seriously.