Security tightened across Bengal ahead of R-Day celebrations

Security has been beefed up across West Bengal in the view of Sunday's Republic Day celebrations, a senior police officer said. Besides the Kolkata Police, the Bidhannagar City Police and the Howrah City Police have made foolproof arrangements to avoid any untoward incident, he said.

Surveillance has also been increased along West Bengal's international and interstate borders. "Every year, we get specific inputs from the Centre for enhancing security measures during Republic Day and Independence Day. After going through all aspects, we have made special arrangements for tomorrow. We do not want to take any chance," the senior officer said on Saturday.

Along with the Quick Response Teams (QRT) and the Radio Flying Squads (RFS), the Kolkata Police has also readied its bomb squad for the occasion, he said. Vigil has been tightened around the Red Road, the venue of the Republic Day Parade, and traffic movement will be suspended on the stretch from 10 pm on Saturday.

"All VVIPs like the Chief Minister, governor among other invitees will be present at the celebrations. We will have to be on toes. The entire stretch has been divided into 20 sectors under the charge of a deputy commissioner-level police officer," he said. As per reports, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be reaching the venue at 9.52 am and Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar at 9.55 am. The National Flag is scheduled to be hoisted at 9.59 am and the Republic Day parade will begin at 10 am.

Around 100 CCTVs have been installed at Park Street, Esplanade, Outram Road, Kidderpore Road, New Town and Port areas in the city, and over 5000 police personnel deployed to maintain vigil. "As many as 10 senior police officers in the rank of joint commissioner under the tutelage of deputy commissioners will keep a watch on the proceedings throughout the day.

Multiple teams will patrol the banks of Hooghly as well as the port area. We will also keep an eye on all shopping malls, cinema halls, eateries and parks," he said. The officer said leaves of all police personnel have been cancelled on the occasion.

"All top police officers will be on duty during Sunday's Republic Day celebrations. The control room at Kolkata Police Headquarters at Lalbazar will be monitoring the proceedings," he said..

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)