#NCR on high alert after #Gurdaspur terror strike

GURGAON/NOIDA: Across NCR cities, police were put on high alert after the news of terror attack in Gurdaspur broke. Security at all sensitive and crowded places was beefed up with police launching random frisks and checks.

In Gurgaon, police posted additional security in areas like the bus stand, railway station, Metro stations, malls and multiplexes, the secretariat and even police stations AND HOTELS. The bomb disposal squad, quick response team (QRT) and sniffer dog squads were put on alert and posted near sensitive spots.

“Not only is Gurgaon Police on high alert, we’ve even alerted intelligence units and private security at malls and multiplexes. The bomb disposal squad and QRT are on standby. We appeal to the public to be cautious and vigilant,” said Navdeep Singh Virk, police commissioner, Gurgaon.

Across the city, police officials could be spotted busily checking vehicles at temporary road blocks. At the railway station, trains from Rewari and Jaipur were stopped and searched for 10-15 minutes each, with security personnel continuing the luggage check after the trains were allowed to leave the station.

In Noida, police and anti-terror squad (ATS) commandos conducted joint operations at the GIP and Shopprix malls. In fact, the ATS visited all prominent malls and public places, police said.

ATS commandos raised eyebrows as they disrupted movie screenings at multiplexes, but overall, people welcomed the move. The 50-member ATS team was placed in the city in January this year to prepare for the Republic Day celebrations attended by US president Barack Obama.

The provincial armed constabulary (PAC) company deployed on Yamuna expressway and Noida-Greater Noida expressway were also alerted.

A senior police officer said all officers and SHOs have been asked to conduct round-the-clock checks in their respective areas, adding the operations will continue over the coming days. Noida Police put up barricades at important locations, and announced plans to resume mock drills and verification drives.

In Ghaziabad, police conducted random checks in sensitive areas, particularly those bordering Delhi. SSP Dharmendra Singh directed police stations and outposts to dedicate a majority of their staff on field duty for the next 24 hours. Malls, HOTELS, hospitals, public offices and shopping complexes were alerted.

In the afternoon, SP (city) Ajay Pal led a team on an inspection of CCTV cameras and the control room at the Gaur Central Mall in Rajnagar District Centre