Vishwakarma Puja celebrations on Saturday may be dampened this year as Kolkata is on high alert following reports of a possible terror threat according to inputs from state and central intelligence units.
It is uncertain if the recent threat mail received by the Airport Intelligence Unit (AIU) prompted the reaction but all police stations in the city and adjoining Bidhannagar have been put on high alert, reported the Indian Express. Security would be tightened at Park Street, Camac Street and parts of Salt Lake in the West Bengal capital.
"We have received inputs from the intelligence department to be extra cautious, as there might be a terror attack in Kolkata or in any public place under Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate. We have increased security in public places, and have alerted the local police stations to take immediate action in case of suspicious activities" a senior officer was quoted saying to the publication.
"There is nothing to panic about, but we can't take any chances, so we have beefed up security," another officer said.
Kolkata Police, led by a Special Task Force(STF) and officers of south division, have increased its presence on Park Street. Stronger force would also be deployed at New Market and Gariahat, as customers will be thronging these markets this weekend. Extra security arrangements have been made at Jubilee Bridge, Dakshineswar temple and Kalighat temple.
Teams of policemen will be on vigil to prevent terrorists from targeting vital installations and events or areas that expect heavy footfall. Quick Reaction Team officers, along with police, snipers and combat vehicles will also be deployed in parts of the city. Cops are also checking guest records of hotels across Kolkata.
Warnings have been issued against flying drones and paragliders.
