Chennai police conduct drill at shopping malls

Chennai, Sep 13: Police today (Sep 13) conducted a drill at shopping malls in the city to check the preparedness of security agencies to deal with emergencies in the backdrop of last week's bomb blast at Delhi.

The drill was conducted due to a ''general alert'' issued by the Home Ministry, top officials said.

Various wings of the city police such as its security division, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and sniffer dogs were pressed into service at major shopping complexes like Spencer Plaza, Ampa Skywalk, Express Avenue, City Center and Alsa Mall, police said.

"No suspicious objects were found and police advised people and traders on the need to be aware," they said.

The Centre has also issued an advisory asking Maharashtra and some states bordering it to be fully alert in the wake of intelligence inputs that terrorists may target Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai by using small aircraft.

Tamil Nadu has already stepped up security, with Chief Minister Jayalalithaa reviewing security with top officials last week following the Delhi blasts. The drill also sought to create awareness among the public and traders.

PTI