Alert in UP after Ludhiana cinema hall blast

Lucknow, Oct 15 (UNI) Following Shingar cinema bomb blast in Ludhiana, the Uttar Pradesh government today passed orders to sound an alert at public places in the state with Dusshehra and Durga Puja drawing to a close.

Six people were killed, while 33 other grievously injured in the blast that occurred in the Ludhiana's cinema hall late last night.

State Home Secretary Mahesh Gupta today told newspersons here, senior officals had been directed to step up security in public places, including railway stations, bus stands, cinema halls, malls and other shopping complexes.

Meanwhile, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law and Order Brij Lal said here that vigil has also been increased at the various venues where Ram Lila is hosted.

''All zone IGs, range DIGs and district SSPs and SPs have been sensitised in this regard,'' he told reporters during a routine briefing.

Emergency services and intelligence have also been asked to remain alert in the state.

UNI