The state police forces went on a high alert after Central Intelligence agencies hinted at a possible terror strike before June 30 to create unrest, especially in the wake of Eid.
The sleuths of Anti-Terroists Squad (ATS) also got into the act to track down a `group’ which is suspected to have sneaked into New Delhi to execute the plan.
As per sources in the State Intelligence, an input was received from Intelligence Bureau (IB) that a group of nine militants, comprising three women operatives, sneaked into the national capital to carry out a terror strike sometime before June 30. The reports also hinted taht besides Delhi, the ultras had also done reccee of some large districts of UP and might strike when the minority community celebrates Eid.
Sources suspected that since large crowds throng the markets for purchasing on the eve of Eid, known as `Chand Raat’, the ultras could strike on that day.
Suspecting that the ultras could strike during the festival, DGP Sulkhan Singh alerted the UP Police officials and personnel and instructed district police chiefs to ensure special security appartus when Muslims offered prayers on the last Friday of Ramzan and on the morning of Eid.
Instructions were also given to make arrangements in busy markets of the districts with predominant Mulsim populace and also crowded public places like theatres, malls, bus and railway stations, airports, government establishments etc.
Sources said that SSP/ SPs have been asked to set up CCTV cameras on sensitive points and keep a close tab on movements. Besdies, officials have been asked to check hotels, lodge and other guest houses and confirm any suspect checking in during the last fortnight. Hotel/ lodge owners have been asked to pass on input to the local police in case of any suspicious guests. Sources also said that security has been beefed up in Imambara and all important mosques of the state.
Meanwhile, sleuths of Government Railway Police havebeen alerted in wake of the IB input. Security in all important trains, particularly connecting national capital, has been beefed up. Cops have been directed to carry out frisking of passengers and if need be, search their belonging, so that untoward incidents could be averted.