Three foreign nationals have been detained, one of them a Syrian, in connection with a letter threatening to harm Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as security was stepped up at vital establishments and crowded places in Goa.
A Syrian national, whose identity was not disclosed, was detained on Monday night and he is being questioned, Inspector General of Police Sunil Garg said on Tuesday when asked about progress in the threat letter case.
The letter, received at the State Secretariat on January 13, had 'ISIS' written on it, which threatened to harm Modi and also Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Sympathisers of the terror outfit are suspected to be involved in radicalising youths in India.
"His (Syrian national) visa has expired and he has been overstaying," Garg added.
Two more foreigners – from Yemen and Nigeria – were taken into custody from a casino on Monday night and are being interrogated separately, said another police official, adding that they were staying in Goa even after the expiry of their visas. The trio are being interrogated by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which is probing the case.
Meanwhile, vigil at key establishments and crowded places has been stepped up in the state, which saw additional rush of domestic tourists over the weekend due to Republic Day holiday.
"The government is concerned about the security of citizens and is taking all measures required," said Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar.
"Superintendents of Police of both districts (South and North Goa) have reviewed security around vital establishments under their jurisdiction. Gun-wielding policemen have been posted at at these places," another officer said.
The police have increased surveillance at beaches, churches, temples and other popular tourist spots, he said.
Superintendent of Police (Special Branch) Bosco George said security of VIPs has also been revamped.
"We requested Parrikar to accept 'Z-plus' security cover while in Goa and he has agreed. Parrikar was moving around without 'Z-plus' security cover in Goa (his home state) during his visits," George said.
The police have also intensified night patrolling, he said.