As the second anniversary of 26/11 approaches, the police in the city are stepping up security arrangements. The four days leading to November 26 are set to see heavy police bandobast

Cops in security overdrive for 26/11 anniv

As the second anniversary of 26/11 approaches, the police in the city are stepping up security arrangements.
The four days leading to November 26 are set to see heavy police bandobast.

The police said adequate manpower was being posted at all strategic locations and there was nakabandi at important junctions, including the railway station and near the airport.

"A drive to check hotels and lodges is on throughout the city," said Joint Commissioner of Police Ashok Dhiware. "Hotels and restaurants have also been sensitised."

On November 26, 2008, a team of 10 terrorists believed to have been trained in Pakistan created havoc in Mumbai, the state capital that is 170 km from the city. Then, on February 13 this year, terrorism arrived in the city with a bomb explosion that killed over 15 people at the German Bakery in Koregaon Park.

"We are confident that the 26/11 anniversary will pass without any untoward incident," said DCP Special Branch Makrand Ranade. "The Pune police, two companies of SRPF and the Quick Response Team (QRT) will be deployed at all strategic locations to ensure quick movement."

One of the targets of the Mumbai attack, in which gunmen went about spraying people with bullets at different places, was Nariman House, an ultra-orthodox Jewish facility. In the city, there was a similar Jewish Chabad House near German Bakery.

"We have increased security at all sensitive locations including Lal Deval (Jewish synagogue), Chabad House and the Osho Commune," said Ranade. "Vehicles fitted with wireless will patrol the entire city. Officials manning the control room have been asked to remain alert."

He appealed to people to share any information on unidentified objects or suspected terrorist movements without loss of time with the police control room by dialling 100 or with the nearest police chowky or police station.

An eye is also being kept on people with a criminal record.