Mumbai: With intelligence inputs warning of possible terror attacks during the Ganpati Celebration in Mumbai, the government has tightened the round-the-clock vigil along all coastal routes coming to the city.
The intelligence report, which was accessed by the India TV, clearly stated that some suspicious movements were noticed in the coastal areas of Mumbai in past few days and terrorists may attack the city on the ninth day of this ongoing festival.
Generally, the idol of Lord Ganesha is immersed in sea water on the ninth day of the festival. Millions of people participate in immersion ceremony of Lord Ganesha. People take part in the procession and gather on the seashores of Mumbai to witness the mega event.
Dhananjay Kulkarni, DCP (Crime), Detection, said that it is difficult for security personnel to check each individual personally.
He, however, assured that adequate arrangements for Mumbaikars have been done to ensure no untoward incident takes place during the celebrations.
“Our officers will be place at all places where idol of Lord Ganesha will be immersed. Besides, Marine Police is in regular touch with the Coast Guard, Navy. We will not allow any laxity on our part. We are keeping an eye on each fishing vessel and we are coordinating with all fishermen's organization to track movements in sea,” he said.
For the first time, two companies of BSF have come to Mumbai especially to provide additional security.
“Marine Police and local police have been given the prime responsibility to locate unidentifying points. Besides, we are in regular touch with several fishermen organization to keep ourselves updated about activities in coastal regions and at all entrance points. They are also providing us information about all new entrance routes,” Kulkarni said.
The police is also keeping an eye on all the accused illegal immigrants, along with the foreign immigrants who are residing in the hotels or lodges near the coastal belt.
There are around 53 sensitive landing points in and around Mumbai, while the coastal belt is under the close scrutiny of the police; the danger however also pertains over the unidentified landing spots in Mumbai, which can be used for terror intrusions during the Ganesha's idol immersion.
Although the security arrangements are very stringent for the festival, yet if any terrorist intrusion or incident happens during the festival, it will be a slam on the entire Maharashtra Police Department for their claims over security.
