High alert in Kolkata, North Bengal following threat perception

Kolkata, Nov 16 (UNI) High alert has been sounded in the state capital as well as North Bengal districts and the areas bordering Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, following inputs from central intelligence agencies hinting at possible terror attacks.

Official sources said security was beefed up at strategic locations in Kolkata, including Metro railway stations, Writers' Buildings, State Secretariat, Calcutta High Court since Friday night. Vehicles were being frisked, sudden checks were being conducted on passersby at shopping malls, markets, temples, mosques and all other busy spots of the city.

Close circuit television cameras had been installed at Nandan, the cultural complex of the city, hosting the ongoing 14th Kolkata Film Festival. All the visitors' bags were being thoroughly checked and they were prevented from entering the complex with electronic gadgets.

Special Task Force (STF) and Quick Response Teams (QRT) were kept ready to face any eventuality. Bomb detection and disposal squads as well as dog squads were also alerted and deployed at strategic locations to ensure swift action and defusing of any explosives.

Unprecedented security measures were taken up at Malda, where Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee arrived yesterday, to prevent recurrence of a Salboni-like incident, where a blast occurred just as Mr Bhattacharjee's convoy passed the area on November 2.

Meanwhile, the Tripura police also alerted its West Bengal counterparts on possible terrorist attacks at several locations of the state.

A report from Agartala stated that Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) B K Debbarma was informed by the BSF yesterday that a group of Bangladesh-based terrorists had been planning to strike in some important locations of West Bengal.

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