Bangalore cops prepared to tackle Ayodhya outcome

Handycams, extra ammunition distributed to all police stations; cops say they won't hesitate to shoot if need be

Handycams, extra ammunition distributed to all police stations; cops say they won't hesitate to shoot if need be

The city police are not taking any chances on the day of the verdict. According to a source, All (a total 115 in Bangalore) police stations have been provided five handycams, and extra ammunition, and officers from the rank of sub inspector and above are authorised to use them if need be.


All geared: All leaves have been cancelled until October 3. The police
have also decided to clamp prohibitory orders to maintain law and order
in the city. Pic/Satish Badiger

Orders to arrest all suspicious persons have also been issued, and 14 such persons have already been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Duty is mandatory to all police personnel, and all leaves have been cancelled until October 3. The department has deputed patrolling parties across the city, which will be continued until Saturday midnight.

"We have learnt through intelligence sources that anti-social elements are hatching a conspiracy to take advantage of the situation and disrupt harmony in the city. Hence, we have decided to clamp prohibitory orders to maintain law and order," city police commissioner Shankar Bidari said.

Bidari added that there will be a ban on groups celebrating the verdict. This was ordered after intelligence officers warned the commissioner that miscreants might use crackers or petrol-filled bottles to provoke the other community.

Rubber bullets have also been provided to Karnataka State Reserve Police personnel, but officials denied divulging an exact figure. On the other had, the city police has been issued regular ammunition.

Home guards have been appointed in sensitive areas, such as Majestic, with more than 15 patrolling spots, along with several bus stops. The Commissioner has also advised officers to talk to the religious leaders in their respective areas to maintain calm. DG and IGP Ajay Kumar Singh has ordered district level officials to install CCTVs around city circles and sensitive areas.

A senior police official who didn't want to be named, said, "We have received handy cameras and extra ammunition from the department. We are taking it very seriously, and we won't hesitate to shoot miscreants if necessary."

Police presence

Majestic: 150 Shivajinagar: 75 K R Market: 60 Goripalya: 70 Indranagar: 70 Kormangala: 100 Near Jayadev Hospital: 30