Security tightened in Bengal ahead of Independence Day

KOLKATA - Exit and entry points to Kolkata have been kept under intense vigil as part of enhanced security across West Bengal ahead of the country’s 64th Independence Day Sunday, a senior police officer said.

“Adequate security measures have been taken to prevent any kind of untoward incidents. Police personnel have been deployed in large numbers to keep a close vigil in important instalments like railways stations and airports and also religious places,” Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Surajit Kar Purokayastha told IANS.

“Special security arrangements have been made in the villages along the India-Bangladesh border and across the Junglemahal (Maoist-dominated forested areas of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura districts),” he added.

Purakayastha said that there is no specific threat perception to the state during Independence Day, but every possible step has been taken to strengthen the security.

Kolkata Police’s Joint Commissioner (headquarters) Jawed Shamim told IANS: “We are checking the entry and exist points for the last three days to prevent easy entry of outsiders.

“City hotels, guest houses and other lodging centre are being checked to ensure that no outsiders without proper documents can take shelter during the Independence Day. Adequate security arrangement has also been made at every important intersection and we are keeping a close vigil on people,” he said.

Additional police personnel will be deployed at popular sites like Alipore Zoo, Victoria Memorial, Millennium Park, City Centre and vital installations. Besides, security will be tightened in the pilgrimage spots, Shamim added.

Special security arrangements will be made at all the places where the main Independence Day programmes are slated to be held.

These apart, 12 quick response teams will be deployed across the city and several police pickets posted at important areas, he said.