A security alert has been issued in the State in the wake of possible retaliation by terror outfits following India’s airstrike on Pakistan on Tuesday that neutralised over 300 militants, officials said on Wednesday.

Security was beefed up at the Birsa Munda International Airport, Ranchi Railway Station and bus terminals on Wednesday after a closed door meeting of senior police officials and Home Secretary SKG Rahate on the airport premises.

“We are maintaining a strict vigil on important points like the airport, railway stations and bus stands. Our men have been asked to stay alert and immediately report any suspicious activity,” said Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police Anish Gupta.

Ranchi has never been on the receiving end of terror activities in the past. However, in 2014, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) sleuths found links of some youths of a village near the Capital City with the October 27, 2014 Patna serial blasts at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hunkar rally in Gaya. Several suspected sleeper cells were arrested from this village in suburban Ranchi. Later, raids were conducted in urban localities too in connection with suspected terror funding.

“Suspects detained in the past for alleged terror activities are under our watch. We are ensuring zero lapses in the law and order situation,” Gupta said.

Meanwhile, the social media has also come under the scanner of the State police since Tuesday in a bid to ensure that rumour mongering do not cause panic among commoners.

Jharkhand Police’s Spokesperson, Inspector General Ashish Bhatia said that social media platforms have been under police vigil since the airstrike in the wee hours of Tuesday.

“All the social media platforms are under our surveillance. We will catch hold of the rumour mongers and take strict actions against them as per the law,” Batra said.

The police refused to disclose any operational secrets with the media. However, they said that foolproof plans were made to foil any plans of attack in the city.

Home Secretary SKG Rahate, who reviewed the security arrangements at the Birsa Munda Airport on Wednesday afternoon, did not respond to calls from the media. Sources said that he was constantly in touch with authorities at the centre and top police officials in the state since the airstrike by India.

Not only Ranchi, but other important cities like Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Bokaro and Hazaribag are also under surveillance.