Security tightened in Kolkata, CP refutes "specific threat"

Kolkata, Oct 4 (UNI) Denying any "specific threat," Police Commissioner Gautam Mohan Chakraborty today assured Kolkatans peaceful completion of Durga Puja begining tomorrow even as deploying about 20,000 security personnel across the city to strengthen vigil and maintain law and order.

Interacting with media persons on the security arrangement for the week-long festivity, Mr Chakraborty asserted " There is no specific threat during the festival, but considering the prevailing situation in parts of the country we cannot take any chance and remain complacent." The "City of Joy" is joining the rest of the nation and abroad to celebrate Durga Puja amidst threat perceptions after recent serial blasts in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi and the last in Agartala on October 1.

Announcing a number of measures to ensure peace, Mr Chakraborty said no revellers would be allowed to visit puja pandals carrying bags, boxes or plastic packets and bicycles be barred from parking in the viscinity.

The CP also made an appeal to warn children about not touching any suspicious objects if found anywhere in the city.

He informed that of the 20,000-strong force, 4000 would be posted in various parts of the city to keep vigil on suspicious activities, while 500 civil volunteer force, 2350 traffic police and 2000 security personnel in plainclothes would be deployed in cross-sections of the city to ensure "undisturbed observations" of the festival.

Mr Chakraborty said 21 watch towers were being set up in six places and 53 big community pujas would have CCTV.

He also said that special assistance booths were also being set up near eight Metro Railway stations to channelise the pandal hoppers throughout the city.

UNI ADG KK RN1916