After the blast incident in Delhi, Nagpur has been placed under high alert. Law enforcement agencies in Nagpur have started strict patrolling and counter-terrorism action across the city as a preventive step. The City Police, Rural Police, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and other related agencies have been instructed to remain alert and maintain round-the-clock surveillance. According to senior officials, the alert is a precautionary measure. Although no specific threat has been reported in Nagpur district so far, the police does not want to take any risk. Following the blast in the national capital, all major cities in India have been ordered to tighten security and Nagpur is also following the same protocol. City Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal said that instructions have been given to all Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and police station in-charges to intensify patrolling in their areas. Additional manpower has been deployed at sensitive locations.

 

Quick Response Teams (QRT) and Riot Control units have been instructed to stay alert at both the City Police Commissionerate and the Rural Police Headquarters. Crowded markets, religious places, schools, colleges, major road intersections, public events and tourist spots are now under continuous watch. Police teams are keeping a close eye at railway stations, bus stands and other transport hubs because these are places where large crowds gather every day. Police officials said that metal detector checks, bag checking and identity verification will also be increased if required. Superintendent of Police, Rural, Dr Harssh Poddar said that all patrolling vehicles in rural police station limits have been given instructions to increase their frequency of patrolling. Police teams have been asked to visit crowded areas repeatedly during the day as well as night.

 

“We have strengthened security around Ramtek Gad Mandir because it is a major religious destination. Apart from that, the Explosives and Ordnance factories located in the district have also been brought under rigid surveillance. These locations are sensitive and therefore, strict security arrangements have been made,” Dr Poddar said. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and other central intelligence agencies are also in touch with Nagpur Police. The local intelligence units are continuously monitoring suspicious movements.

 

Police sources said that if any message, social media post, or unidentified object is found suspicious, people should immediately inform the nearest police station. Senior officials have appealed to citizens not to panic, but remain careful. People should cooperate with police during checking operations. Vehicle checking, bag inspection, if any, will be part of the security procedure. Police has also requested citizens to avoid spreading rumours on social media. City Police said that the purpose of strict patrolling and bandobast is to ensure peace and safety. Police teams will continue tight patrol duty until further orders.