A senior police officer stated on Tuesday that extensive security measures have been implemented in and around Kolkata, where the first Test match between India and South Africa is scheduled to take place between November 14 and 18, following the explosion in Delhi.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma convened a virtual meeting with personnel at different levels amid increased vigilance. According to the officer, the purpose of the 25-minute discussion was to ensure preparedness for any disaster and to reinforce security measures around the city.
Regarding security for the impending Test at Eden Gardens, the officer stated that sufficient steps are being made to stop any attempt to disturb the city’s peace and tranquility.
“The police are taking all necessary steps. We held meetings yesterday and again today to ensure there are no lapses. Adequate security has been arranged for the venue, both teams, and their management. We do not foresee any problems,” Verma told reporters.
The Commissioner personally inspected the security arrangements at Eden Gardens with other senior police personnel. Before the highly anticipated Test match, long lines were visible outside ticket booths.
“The number of police personnel deployed at all ticket sale points has been increased to maintain order and prevent any untoward incident. Patrolling around the stadium has also been intensified,” the officer added.
Senior Army officials went to the stadium with the police to coordinate cooperative security measures because Eden Gardens falls under the jurisdiction of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command. In order to stop extremist organizations from taking advantage of the situation, Kolkata Police have also issued stringent surveillance guidelines.
In addition to seasonal wool traders from Afghanistan and Kashmir who visit the city in the winter, officers have been directed to closely monitor foreign individuals arriving from Bangladesh and Nepal.
Solomon V. Nesakumar, ACP of the Kolkata Police STF, reportedly stated during the security review that terror groups would try to utilize Kolkata as a base for sleeper modules and emphasized the necessity of ongoing coordination and monitoring among intelligence units.
Officers were directed by the Commissioner to perform sporadic naka checks at susceptible locations and important intersections.
“Since the Delhi explosion was reportedly carried out using a vehicle, we are maintaining a special watch on parked and moving vehicles to prevent any similar attempt at sabotage,” the officer said.
Every police station was instructed to stay vigilant, especially those close to Metro train stations. 12 people have died so far as a result of Monday night’s car blast in Delhi, which happened near a Metro train station close to Red Fort.
