Multi-Layer Security In Mumbai Ahead Of WC Final

Mumbai, Mar 31: An unprecedented three-tier security cover to maintain vigil over land, air and water has been put in place in the metropolis, turning it into a fortress, ahead of Saturday's World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka at the Wankhede stadium here.

President Pratibha Patil and her Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa will watch the grand finale of cricket's biggest extravaganza at the 32,000-capacity stadium.

Apart from Mumbai Police, personnel of National Security Guards, Maharashtra's elite Force One, Rapid Action Force, State Reserve Police Force and Quick Response Team are maintaining a strict vigil at the venue.

"Nearly 5,000 security men have been deployed for the mega event as part of unprecedented security measures, that I have never seen before in my career. The security men and staff of stadium and the organisers would be issued biometric bar coded access cards," Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik said.

There would be a three-layer security checking of the ticket holders, he said, adding, "It would be good if the spectators reach the stadium three hours before the match begins. The entry and exit gates may be closed after 5 PM on the day of the match."

Anti-aircraft guns will be strategically put in place and all air bases near Mumbai, Indian Navy and Coast Guard have been put on high alert to thwart any possible air or sea-based attack. The airspace over and around the stadium has been declared a 'No Flying Zone', officials said.

A dedicated helpline number - 09146009090 - has been set up for the citizens to inform the police if they come across any suspicious person or object.

"Restrictions on the movement of public at the Gateway of India and boating in the Arabian sea would be imposed as and when required," Patnaik said.

Both the Indian and Sri Lankan cricket teams are staying at the Taj Mahal hotel, which is opposite the historic monument.

Special security measures have been taken for the players of India and Sri Lanka, he said.

Patnaik said antecedents of ticket holders, particularly online ticket buyers and foreigners, were being checked.

"All the tickets have been sold. I appeal to people not to crowd outside the stadium unnecessarily, and co-operate with the police. We don't want the repeat of Nagpur, Bangalore or Mohali cane charge incidents," he added.

Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil, who reviewed the security arrangements for Saturday's match, said, "I have reviewed the security arrangements made in co-ordination with Maharashtra and Central government. The arrangements would be supervised by Patnaik. We have taken all the measures to ensure that everything goes well."

Asked about the terror threat to the match, Patil said, "We are keeping a watch on it."

Other parts of the city are witnessing strict checkings and intensified nakabandis, police said.

Security along the west coast has been beefed up since early March in the run-up to the World Cup final, Defence spokesperson M Nambiar said.

Navy and Coast Guard ships, Fast Attack Craft (FAC), Patrol vessels and Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC), have been deployed in layered defence to prevent possible terrorist attempts to land on shores, he added.

"The Indian Navy, in conjunction with the Coast Guard, Marine Police and other players of the Coastal Security Network, has heightened its state of alert and its ships and aircraft are on continuous patrol off the coasts of Gujarat and Maharashtra," Nambiar said.

Security has also been beefed up ashore with additional check points and manning of boat landing areas, he said.

In addition to coastal security, the Indian Navy has also enhanced its surveillance and patrolling in and around the offshore development areas.

Deputy Police Commissioner (Operations) Rajkumar Vhatkar said over 180 CCTVs have been installed by the stadium authorities inside and outside the stadium and a special police control room has been set up to keep a watch on the spectators.

Outside food items will not be allowed in the stadium.  Police are also worried that a "chemical bomb" could be used by the terrorists, so water bottles from outside too won't be allowed, a police official said on condition of anonymity.

When asked, DCP Vhatkar said, "Water bottles from outside will not be allowed due to security reasons and drinking water arrangement has been made inside."

Also, with inputs that terror outfits may strike during World Cup matches using explosive-laden vehicles, city police have decided not to allow parking within a radius of one kilometer of the Wankhede Stadium.

Spectators will have to park their vehicles either near Inox mall at Nariman Point area or near Azad Maidan.

Police have appealed to spectators to opt for public transport instead of private vehicles. PTI