E-mail threat: Tight security in TN capital, 1,000 rounded up

Chennai, Nov 25 (UNI) Tight security arrangements are in place in the wake of the e-mail threat to several cities, including Chennai, with the police drawing up an urgent action plan to thwart any possible terror attacks.

Police maintained heightened vigil all through the night and in a ''Storming Operation'' involving 437 patrol beats rounded up about 1,000 people in the city, a police release said.

An e-mail sent to a TV channel in New Delhi warned of terror attacks in Ghaziabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Islamabad, by a so far unknown organisation called 'Indian Mujahideen' following which the Delhi Police were investigating the threat after sounding an alert across the nation.

Against this backdrop, Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) P Rajendran had directed all Inspector Generals and senior police officials to be on high alert and take all precautionary measures to preempt possible attempts by extremist groups to create panic and terror.

Following this and as part of efforts to free the city from rowdy elements, police stepped up night patrol in the city and its suburbs and rounded up about 1,000 people.

A strong contingent led by City Police Commissioner Nanjil Kumaran, Additional Commissioners S R Jangid and Sunil Kumar, Joint Commissioners Ravi, Balasubramaniam, Durairaj and Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners went around the city and nabbed 765 people as a preventive measure besides arresting 103 habitual offenders, 128 old convicts and 16 persons against whom warrants were pending.

Besides, 68 people were held for drunken driving and eight others for rash and negligent driving. More than 1,400 people were also fined for not wearing helmets.

The ''Storming Operation'' comes two days after Chief Minister M karunanidhi ordered a crackdown on criminals in the wake of rising political killings in the state.

MORE UNI