Security beefed up in city ahead of I-Day

Kolkata: Kolkata Police has made elaborate arrangements regarding security on Independence Day. To prevent any untoward incident, Howrah and Bidhnannagar Police have also joined in the efforts.

Kolkata Police informed that during Independence Day celebrations, several measures will be taken up to secure the city. Senior police officials have been instructed to supervise security across the city, throughout the day.

According to senior police officials, during the Independence Day parade at Red Road, special security layers will be set up. There will be six watchtowers from where police personnel with advanced sniper rifles will be keeping watch on the whole area. 10 bunkers have been set up in and around Red Road and other adjacent roads. Three Quick Response Teams (QRTs) will be there at strategic points to act quickly in case of urgency. There will be 10 police assistance booths for the spectators who would come to enjoy the parade.

Apart from security in Red Road and its adjacent areas, there will be 10,000 police personnel deployed across the city. Red Road along with seven other adjacent roads will be made 'No Entry' zones from 10 pm on Wednesday, until the parade gets over. Some other roads will also be made 'No Entry' zones from 5:30 am on Thursday.

Security has also been intensified in South Dinajpur. BSF jawans were seen patrolling the areas close to the India-Bangladesh border including Hili International checkpost.

According to a BSF source, the BSF jawans and police are jointly conducting search operations. A high alert has been sounded to all the sensitive areas covering Hili, Raghunathpur, Patiram, Gangarampur, Rampur, Tapan and Buniadpur. Passengers traveling in long distance buses and trains are being checked and interrogated thoroughly, while vigil is being maintained at bus depots, railway platforms and public places.