Bengal celebrates I-Day amid unprecedented security

Kolkata, Aug 15 (UNI) West Bengal today commemorated the 60th Independence Day amid unprecedented security cover.

Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee unfurled the tri-colour in front of state administrative headquarters, the Writers' Buildings.

He took the guard-of-honour presented by the security personnel and the NCC cadets.

Transport Minister Subhas Chakraborty, PWD Minister Kshiti Goswami and chief secretary Amit Kiron Deb were present on the occasion.

Representatives from the British High Commission and US Consulate graced the occasion.

Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi paid floral tributes in front of the Gandhi statue at a central area in the city.

The Governor also placed floral wreaths at the Gandhi Memorial Column at Barrackpore near here on the Eastern banks of river Bhagirathi.

The Writers' Buildings was placed under tight security cover for the Independence Day programme.

Transport in the entire area was diverted through a far-away place and the entire area was cordoned off by security personnel under the supervision of senior police officials to avert any untoward incident.

Sniffer dogs were also pressed into service. Before the programme a diver scanned the waterbody opposite the Writers' Buildings.

Elsewhere in the state special programmes were being organised to celebrate the Independence Day.

A man in mid-fifties was arrested from the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport here for loitering in front of the domestic terminal.

The man gave different names and conflicting explanation regarding his visit to the airport.

No other untoward incident was reported so far.

Security has already been beefed up at key buildings and vital installations here.

Landmarks like Victoria Memorial, Millennium Park, Howrah Bridge and the second Hooghly Bridge would be specially illuminated during the period as part of the security drill.

Airports in the city and Siliguri and railway stations across the state have been under tight security for the past few days.

Special checks have been on in all important crossings of the railways to avert any possible sabotage by miscreants and anti-nationals.

Police patrolling and checking activities have been increased to avert any untoward incident during the celebrations.

Special security arrangements have been made around the entry and exit points of the metropolis to check untoward incidents.

Security personnel in plainclothes were deployed around important places and the bomb squad has also been kept on alert.

UNI TJP PL RN1236