Chennai under security blanket after threat to cricket stadium
Special security measures are in place in view of Chithirai festival, for which over 100,000 devotees are expected
Security has been beefed up across Chennai after a bomb threat at the city's MA Chidambaram cricket stadium.
The threat comes after India’s recent military operation, called Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pakistan. Chennai City Police Commissioner A Arun on Friday (May 9) said extra security has been provided at railway stations, bus stops, and places where local festivals are being held. The police also ordered a detailed investigation into the bomb threat call at Chepauk stadium.
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Incidentally, Chithirai festival is being held at 28 temples and is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors. Security is up across malls, theaters, and airports.
Major Railway stations under watch
Dog squads have been pressed into service in major stations like Chennai Central, Perambur, and Tambaram.
B Ramakrishna, a Railway Protection Force officer, said, “We’ve deployed over 1,000 personnel in Chennai’s main stations. Dog squads are checking for anything suspicious, and we’re patrolling tracks to prevent sabotage.''
Airports and ports are also under tight security. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is screening passengers with extra vigilance, with Quick Reaction Commando Teams ready for any eventuality.
A CISF officer said, ''We’re closely monitoring CCTV feeds and checking every passenger."
Coastal security up
Security along the state's long coastline has also been heightened. Commodore RS Vasan of the National Maritime Foundation said the P-8I aircraft, known as India’s 'Eye in the Sky', is monitoring the coasts from INS Rajali, a naval air base in Tamil Nadu. Drones are also widely used for aerial surveillance.
'Fundamentalist groups under scanner'
Tamil Nadu police are closely monitoring fundamentalist groups and individuals, besides scouring social media handles for anti-India posts.
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''Some Tamil-speaking people based in Sri Lanka have posted hate messages online, praising Pakistan and calling for action against India. No such posts have come from Tamil Nadu yet, but police are clear: anyone posting anti-India content will face legal action or arrest," a police source said.
An officer said, “We’re tracking suspicious groups and fundamentalists. Our intelligence teams are working non-stop to keep things safe.”
Civil defence drills are also being conducted across Tamil Nadu. Director General of Police Shankar Jiwal issued a statewide alert.