By IANS,
Hyderabad : Commandos of Octopus, the anti-terror agency of Andhra Pradesh Police, continued security checks in Hyderabad for second day Thursday as part of the heightened security measures in the wake of last month’s terror attacks.
The Organisation for Counter Terrorist Operation (Octopus) personnel conducted checks at the state secretariat, the seat of governance, and several public places.
Two days ahead of Shivratri festival, different wings of the police intensified checking across the city, as a precautionary measure, while armed policemen stepped up patrolling.
The police personnel were seen checking vehicles and frisking people on in busy areas. Police teams along with sniffer dogs were conducting checks at shopping malls, cinema theaters, parks and other public places. Security has also been beefed up around places of worship.
In an attempt to sensitise people on security, cautionary messages were blared at busy intersections. The messages in Telugu, Urdu and English advise people to remain alert and inform police about any suspicious item, vehicle or person.
Director General of Police V. Dinesh Reddy told reporters Thursday that these are the routine checks in view of Shivratri and were being conducted all over the state. He clarified that police have not received any specific alert from intelligence agencies.
“I appeal to people of Hyderabad not to panic. These are routine checks. Don’t believe the rumours,” he said.
Replying to a query, he said police have information about the sleeper cells of the terror groups, and their movements were being monitored.
Twin bomb blasts at Dilsukhnagar on Feb 21 had killed 17 people and injured over 100 others.
The DGP said the investigations into the blasts were handed over to National Investigation Agency (NIA) but the police were helping the central agency in the probe.
No arrests have been made in the blasts case, he added.