Mumbai on high alert, security beefed up

Policemen inside a local train during high alert at Churchgate station after Paris attacks on Saturday (Photo: PTI)

In the backdrop of the terrorist attack in Paris, where over 130 people were killed, the Mumbai police has sounded a high alert. Security has been beefed up in the city, including the coastal areas, and several measures are being taken to prevent and avert any untoward incident in the financial capital.

Joint commissioner of police, law and order, Deven Bharti who is in charge of all the police stations in Mumbai said, “We are following the standard operating procedure. Security has been augmented in all the iconic places, vital installations and vulnerable places across the city.”

Senior police officials also confirmed that the attack on Paris was quite similar to the Mumbai 26/11 attacks. A senior police official on condition of anonymity said, “The culprits in Paris, like those in the Mumbai attacks, were on a suicide mission. The well-planned attack involved multiple targets as was the case in the Mumbai attacks. In both attacks there was indiscriminate firing by the terrorists and the use of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was made.”

Among the five regions handled by Mumbai police, the south region is considered to be the most vulnerable as several terrorist attacks have occurred here and further several vital installations including headquarters, Mantralaya, tourist spots with heavy presence of foreigners and important dignitaries like the chief minister, governor, commissioner of police live in this part of the city. The coastal line of this part of the city was used by terrorists in 26/11 attacks.

Speaking to The Asian Age, state DGP Praveen Dixit said, “All police units across Maharashtra in charge have been briefed to review and step up security arrangements at places having heavy footfalls.”

Also, additional commissioner of police, south region, Pratap Dighavkar, said, “We have put up nakabandis and combat vehicles at strategically located points in the city. We are also paying special attention to coastal security. Several measures have been taken which cannot be disclosed. But we appeal to the public to report to us on 100 about any suspicious activity or unattended baggage that they may come across.”

Sources in the police also said that 12 speed-patrolling boats are manning the coastal line and the Navy is helping the police in the exercise.

CM calls to discuss maha safety Taking serious cognisance of the deadly Paris attack, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took a review of security situation across the state. Mr Fadnavis who was in London to inaugurate a memorial dedicated to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, took the review over a call with Pravin Dixit, director general of police. “Instructed DG to exercise utmost care and high alert to prevent any untoward situation,” tweeted the CM.

Security at airport more stringent now The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Mumbai airport deployed 80 more officers on Saturday after the alert was issued. According to sources, nearly half of the force is dressed in civilian clothing and is equipped with weapons.

The intelligence agencies have asked all the agencies handling security and local police to be on their toes 24x7. Measures would include random frisking. According to an official from Mumbai International Airport Limited, airports will also have more armed personnel for guarding the parking area of aircraft. “We are undertaking a thorough checking of vehicles, profiling and random frisking of people entering the airport premises. The Bomb Detections Disposal Squad, Quick Reaction Teams are on alert,” said the official.