Heightened security around Kotla after UP blasts, E mail threat

New Delhi, Nov 24 (UNI) Security in and around the Ferozeshah Kotla ground, where the first test match between India and Pakistan is being held, has been tightened in the wake of powerful blasts in Uttar Pradesh yesterday, which killed 13 and left over 60 injured.

''Frisking around the area has been made more stringent since yesterday. In addition, we are also carrying out intensive checking of all those visiting the ground to watch the match,'' Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said.

Further, all the ground staff at the Ferozeshah Kotla have been alerted, Mr Bhagat said.

The security around the cricket ground was increased as the reports of receipt an e-mail to various TV channels threatening of dire consequences, if the Pakistan team did not call off its ongoing cricket tour of India.

Delhi Police sources said two people had been detained in this connection and were being questioned.

Infact, security in the Capital city has been beefed up in the wake of the powerful blasts in Uttar Pradesh.

Patrolling had been increased in public places like markets, community halls, cinema halls, shopping malls and court complexes.

Further, the security apparatus around the Parliament House had also been beefed up, he said.

In a planned operation, terrorists yesterday carried out near-simultaneous six powerful blasts at district courts in Lucknow, Varanasi and Faizabad, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 60.

The six explosive devices, placed on bicycles in the courts' premises went off in the space of 15 minutes--between 1315 hrs and 1330 hrs.

UNI