Following the high alert in Coimbatore after intelligence inputs about terrorist movement, around 2,000 police personnel have been deployed across the city.
Speaking to the media, Sumit Sharan, the Commissioner of Police, Coimbatore city said that extensive bandobast has been put in all shopping malls, temples, and other important places. “We have also alerted the army and air force to alert their defences. We also have put vehicle check points all over the city and have alerted check-posts to check all vehicles that are coming inside and going out of the city,” he said.
The Commissioner said that 10 Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) have been stationed at strategic points to respond in case of requirement. “As of now, a general alert is maintained. Some channels are showing some photographs. Coimbatore city police has not released any photograph of any suspect so far,” he said. He also added that around 2,000 police personnel have been stationed across the city for security.
“There is no need to panic. This is general information and we are in general red alert,” he said. His press briefing comes after the city police received intelligence inputs about six LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba) terrorists who have come into Tamil Nadu through Sri Lanka. The Commissioner however refused to divulge which agency had given the alert and maintained that the threat was specific and they had enough details to pursue it.
A portion of the alert issued to the officers reads: “..a group of six LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba) terrorists have entered Tamil Nadu through Sri Lanka. The group consists of one Pak National and five Sri Lankan Tamil Muslims.” The alert noted that the group had disguised themselves as Hindus.
“Vehicle checks are being conducted and random checks will be conducted in crowded places due to the alert,” a senior Coimbatore police officer told TNM on Friday morning, confirming that the alert had been issued. These measures will be in addition to tightened security checks in railway stations and the airport in the city.