Kendrapada SP Satish Kumar Gajbhiye on Thursday sounded high alert on the sea coast and sensitive points of Kendrapara district following the State Government’s order on the basis of inputs received from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) about possible terrorist attack in four Indian States including Odisha before January 28.
Gajbhiye said the 480 km stretch coastline in Odisha houses some important defence establishments of the country like Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur and world-class monuments like Jagannath and Konark temples.
The SP has stepped up high security on coastal parts of the district by engaging armed police personnel. As the Kendrapada coast remains vulnerable in several points, the armed police would guard the coast round the clock, he added.
All the three marine police stations along with the Rajnagar and Mahakalapada police stations in the district were directed to keep strict vigil at the coast to mitigate possible threat of cross border activities and infiltration. “Two platoons of armed police force have been deployed at the coast. Marine police have started their sea patrolling by engaging marine police boats and fishery boats in Rajnagar and Mahakalapada block,” said Gajbhiye, adding, “Our police personnel were directed to verify suspected persons.”
Coast Guard Commandant Sanjib Deewan said they have intensified surveillance in the coast. “Our Coast Guard ships are patrolling round the clock at the Odisha coast. We have also entrusted aircrafts to guard the coast,” he added. The Coast Guard has also been co-coordinating with the marine police stations for assistance, said Deewan.