Security for Independence Day stepped up in Coimbatore

Coimbatore, Aug 14 (UNI) More than 1500 police personnel were deployed in this textile city in view of the 61st Independence Day celebrations tomorrow.

City Police Commissioner C K Gandhirajan, in a release today said as part of the security arrangements, 24 jeeps would patrol the city while vehicle checks would be conducted at 12 places covering arterial and feeder roads.

As many as 39 pickets were set up in sensitive places and seven outposts established, he said adding security has been tightened around the airport, besides, policemen with automatic machine guns had been positioned at strategic points to prevent any untoward incidents.

A thick security cover had been thrown around the VOC ground where ceremonial parade and flag hoisting would take place. Besides, deployment of more than 100 police personnel at the ground, sniffer dogs, anti-sabotage teams and aerial survey through binocular from high rise building had been made as part of security measures.

Rural District Superintendent of Police G Karthikeyan said 52 checkposts were set up throughout the district and state borders for checking vehicles.

In Tiruchirapalli, the security had been tightened following intelligence alert over possible terrorists strike on Independence Day.

A senior police official of State Intelligence Section said armed police personnel were posted at all important locations as a precautionary measure.

Night patrolling and vehicle checkups had been intensified.

Frequent checks were conducted at lodges and hotels to verify the credentials of the inmates.

All the entry points into Tiruchirapalli city were being monitored, he added.

UNI