01 April,2011 11:11 AM IST | | Akela
As part of security measures outside Wankhede stadium for Saturday's India-Sri Lanka World Cup final, Crime Branch officials instructed to carry out background checks on all ticket holders
A thick security blanket has been thrown around the city, turning it into a fortress, ahead of tomorrow's World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka at Wankhede stadium.
At a press meeting conducted yesterday at the Police Club in Azad Maidan, Arup Patnaik, the commissioner of police along with the joint police commissioner (law and order) Rajnish Seth, S P Yadav, Himanshu Roy and Vijay Phansalkar discussed the safety measures being taken to avert any untoward incident during the finals tomorrow.
While the Sri Lankan team held its practice session at the Wankhede stadium, a serpentine line was seen at the police verification counter yesterday
Officials from the Crime Branch have been instructed to check the background of all those who have bought tickets online and verify their personal history.
On the other hand, personnel from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have started carrying out checks on those who are visiting the city.
Patnaik said that the Mumbai police, Quick Response Team (QRT), Rapid Action Force (RAF), State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), National Security Guard (NSG), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Coast Guard, Navy and Army have been deployed for security outside the Wankhede stadium. He added that even though heavy security would inconvenience the public, security was his main concern.
"I did not want such heavy security but I have no other option," Patnaik said.
Patnaik elaborated that for additional security measures, no one without a ticket will be allowed near the stadium, as VVIPs such as Sri Lankan President Mahindra Rajapaksa will be in attendance along with the President Pratibha Patil.
And those who thought that they would be able to capture moments from the finals for posterity will be disappointed, as spectators will not be allowed to carry cameras into the venue.
Security officials have also requested the public to be alert on the day of the finals and report ant suspicious movement on 9146009090, which is a helpline number that the police have established.
9146009090
Security officials have also requested the public to be alert on the day of the finals and report any suspicious movement on the above mentioned number, which is a helpline number that the police have established
Wankhede watch
Things allowed:
>> Mobiles (only after being checked by officials)
>> Flags without sticks
>> Posters and banners
>> Wallets
Things not allowed:
>> Video Camera
>> Binoculars
>> Transistors and radios
>> Shoulder bags
>> Water bottles
>> Electronics (Ipod, laptops, calculators)
>> Inflammable Materials
>> Explosives and fire crackers
>> Weapons
>> Liquids
>> Lighters, cigarettes, tobacco
>> Food items
