Security stepped up in Mumbai ahead of New Year’s Eve

MUMBAI - Following reports that a cell of militants have entered to disrupt the festive season, Mumbai Police beefed up security.

Police officials tightened security across the city through stringent checks.

Several CCTV cameras have been specially installed at busy traffic intersections and key strategic locations in Mumbai.

According to intelligence inputs, four suspected militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have entered Mumbai to perpetrate a major strike during New Year festivities.

Speaking to reporters, Rajnish Sethi, Joint Commissioner (Law and Order) of Mumbai Police, said all officials, including senior officers would be out in full force on New Year’s Eve as a precautionary measure.

“There is a terror alert which has already been issued. Now, for New Year Eve, specifically, the Mumbai Police will be out in full force. All officers, including senior officers and policemen will be on the road,” said Sethi.

To ensure maximum safety of the citizens, officials are also conducting random checks on commuters.

Conceding that the threat perception this year was relatively high, Sanjeev Dayal, Commissioner of Mumbai Police, assured all measures had been taken to ensure safety.

“It is true that on every big occasion, we have a general threat perception. Besides this, we receive inputs from the intelligence agencies on perceived threats. This year, we have a relatively high threat perception and we have taken all measures to ensure the safety of the city in the best way possible,” said Dayal.

Security has also been tightened near Hotel Taj, which had borne the brunt of the 26/11 carnage. (ANI)