Security tightened for Dr Manmohan Singh's visit

Tiruchirapalli, May 3 : Barely two days ahead of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's whirlwind visit, a blanket security cover had been thrown over the Tiruchirapalli district.

The State Intelligence Service (IS) police sources said here today the Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive here by a special flight from New Delhi at 1655 hrs on May 4.

Immediately after a reception to be hosted by the Congress party leaders, the Prime Minister will reach the Uzhavar Sandhai grounds at Tennur in the city, where he will address a mammoth public meeting in support of the Democratic Progressive Alliance(DPA) candidates.

Dr Manmohan Singh is expected to leave for Chennai by 1820 hours.

In view of the Prime Minister's visit, security has been beefed up in and around the district. Police personnel are manning the entire stretch from the Trichy International Airport to the public meeting venue. A round-the-clock police protection was given to the meeting venue. Policemen from neighouring districts had joined the Prime Minister's protection duty.

The existing stage in the ground was being converted into a bullet-proof-stage and police were on a door-to-door verification in Tennur area to find out any strangers staying in that area.

Intensive vehicle check-ups had been carried out at several points, especially in all the entry points into the city.

UNI