12 Kolkata: A security alert has been sounded in Kolkata ahead of the Republic Day.
BSF on Thursday issued a notification, stating a 10-day ‘Ops Alert' drill had started on the India-Bangladesh border, considering the changing situation in Bangladesh. The BSF's Eastern Command stated it was important to communicate effectively with border villagers. Special DG Ravi Gandhi of BSF's Eastern Command inspected several border outposts.
In the city, police began checking all hotels and guesthouses as part of their anti-sabotage drive. All entry points to the city will see extra checking from Friday night. Traders and shop owners have been urged to act as the eyes and ears of city cops and record all guests on CCTV cameras.
Sources said 1,000-odd cops would be on duty around the parade venue. Twelve DCPs will be in charge of the venue with senior officers monitoring the security. QRT, HRFS and RFS personnel will keep watch on Red Road and the city at large. Drones will be deployed to keep serial surveillance. Dog and bomb squads will carry out anti-terror drills. Special security has been planned at important buildings and metro stations.
All border outposts have been alerted. The BSF will stay extra vigilant till Jan 31, during which drills will be held along and extra forces may be deployed at night, if needed.