Security heightened on eve of Dhan Teras, Diwali

New Delhi, Nov 6 (UNI) As Diwali is drawing closer and the festival season reaching fever pitch with Dhan Teras tomorrow, the Delhi Police have ramped up security across the city with focus on crowded places like markets, temples, railway stations and malls.

The police are sparing no effort to avoid any mishappening like the bomb blasts that rocked the National Capital in October 2005 on the eve of Diwali, claiming 59 lives.

The police are also keeping a close watch on vehicular movement across the city, with personnel of its armed battalion conducting random checking of vehicles and travellers, especially at night.

''With festivals like Diwali and Dhanteras approaching, we are maintaining a state of alert through measures like intensified patrolling, deployment of dog and bomb-disposal squads and constant vigil of crowded places,'' Delhi Polie Spokesperson Rajan Bhagat told UNI this evening.

Metal detectors have been erected at the entry points of major markets like Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar and Karol Bagh, Mr Bhagat said, adding that commandos and spotters had also been stationed at all markets, making sure that no untoward incident takes place the festival season passes off smoothly ''We are cautious but not panicked. Our personnel are on alert,'' he said. With the pre-Diwali blasts that rocked the capital two years ago still fresh in mind, special attention is given to prominent markets like those in Paharganj, Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar.

Asked about any specific fresh threat call or mail, Mr Bhagat said no such threat had been received by the police and till now everything was going on smoothly.

As Internet and mobile phones were being increasingly used by terrorists for communication, the police have also asked cyber cafe owners and dealers providing mobile connection to maintain a list of their customers.

Guest houses and hotel operators have been issued an advisory in this regard. Attendants at parking lots have also been asked to maintain a list of vehicle numbers using the facility.

UNI