Security beefed up in Bihar as Maoist call for bandh ahead of Modi rally

Patna: With the Maoists calling a bandh tomorrow to coincide with the back to back rallies of the BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi at Sasaram and Gaya, the state police and paramilitary forces are taking additional measures to counter any threat from the ultras.

Both the rally venues of Modi are in Naxal-infested districts, which have witnessed several violent incidents in the recent past. The BJP PM candidate is already on the hit-list of the terrorists.

Representational image. AFP

"We have anticipated all types of threats from the Maoists and terrorists. Security arrangements are being made accordingly," Director General of Police (DGP) Abhayanand told PTI.

Intelligence inputs have also been taken into consideration. Liaisoning of all security agencies involved in providing security to the BJP leader is in place, he said.

The Naxalites have called the bandh to protest against the killing of 10 of their cadres in Chatra recently.

Considering the serial bomb blasts at his rally in Patna on October 27 last year, Modi is being provided several layers of security on the lines of the Prime Minister.

Bihar Police, National Security Guards (NSG), CRPF and Intelligence Bureau are the major agencies that are collaborating to provide the security.

The inner ring of security to Modi is provided by Gujarat Police, whose officials led by their IG Arun Kumar Sharma are already here.

Bihar Police, Special Branch, IG, Kundan Krishnan said, "Since Modi is arriving at the rally venues in helicopter, the landmine threats from the Maoists that could emerge on the road route have been negated."

"Gaya is a sensitive place and Maoists have called for a bandh as well. We perceive threats from Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), so metal detectors, sniffer dogs and manual frisking arrangements have been put in place," added Krishnan.

Both Gaya and Sasaram towns resemble police cantonments. Plain clothes security personnel have been posted all around. They will be present in the crowd during Modi's rally as well.

All hotels and guest houses are being checked. There is heavy deployment of police at 75 select points in and around Gaya, where Modi will address a rally at the Gandhi Maidan tomorrow.

CRPF DIG, Chiranjeev Prasad said, "We are collaborating with the state police in the matter of providing security for the rally. Our men are already present in adequate numbers in both the districts."

Rohtas SP, Vikash Burman said, "Over 1,000 policemen have been deployed in Sasaram for providing security at the rally. Assistance from paramilitary forces at our disposal has also been taken."

PTI