The coastal security measures have been stepped up in Baleswar district, especially in the Chandipur Defence establishment area, since Wednesday evening to thwart any kind of untoward incident.
Following intelligence inputs received by the Marine police of the district, vigil was enhanced in the coast area along with increased patrolling in the Bay of Bengal.
The Marine police also asked the local fishermen community and the associations of fishing vessel owners to stay alert.The Marine police have four high-speed patrolling, three 12-tonne and one five-tonne boats having a total manpower of nearly 45.
Besides Chandipur and Balramgadi, the police also enhanced vigil at Kasafal, Bhabalpur and other fishing bases.Chandipur has its importance as it houses two major Defence establishments, PXE and ITR, and a beautiful beach besides a fishing base at Balaramgad.
About five years ago, a Marine police station exclusively to provide coastal security to the 85-km coastline of the district, was established.The police apart from routine patrolling also carry out time-to-time security exercises in form of mock drills time to time under State-wide programmes.
Marine police station IIC Rashmirekha Mahalik informed that an intelligence warning input that “A possible threat, entry of ultras through water routes of the Bay of Bengal” was received by me yesterday. We swung into action as soon as we received the input. I apart from alerting my own staff also informed the matter to the local villagers and fishermen community. We asked the villagers as well as trawler and boat owners’ associations to stay alert. They have been urged to inform any abnormalities in their area. The patrolling in the sea has been intensified.”