Mumbai: The 72nd Independence Day celebrations and the flag hoisting ceremony took place peacefully on Wednesday amid heavy police presence in Mumbai.
Personnel from Home Guards, State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and Quick Response Team (QRT) deployed at vital installations assisted the city police. The traffic movement was smooth with less vehicles venturing out as it was a holiday.
The city was put on high alert ahead of Independence Day, following seizure of arms and crude bombs from Nalasopara. The state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested three persons, including Vaibhav Raut, a gau rakshak (cow protector) who is also an alleged seeker (sadhak) of the right-wing Hindu organisation, Sanatan Sanstha.
All units of Mumbai police were deployed and their leaves cancelled on the occasion, officials said. The traffic police was present at all major junctions and checks were carried out across the city. Checking of hotels, lodges and vehicles was carried out since late Tuesday. Railway stations also saw anti-sabotage checks by the GRP and RPF officials.
Security was beefed up at vital installations for the day to pass smoothly. Mumbai police had banned illegal assembly and bursting of firecrackers on the occasion of this day. Officials said the precautions were regular and taken every year. The security cover continued to be there till late in the evening.
