By IANS,
Panaji : A specially designated police escort vehicle, a personal security guard and a quick reaction team (QRT) will shadow Ben Kingsley when the acclaimed actor lands in Goa later this month as guest of honour for the 40th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), officials said Tuesday.
Kingsley is one of the first film stars to confirm his attendance at the IFFI inauguration ceremony, Superintendent of Police Tony Fernandes told IANS.
“We have not yet received the list of film stars who are to attend the IFFI. Kingsley is the first one,” Fernandes said.
The official further said that four companies of paramilitary forces had been requisitioned from the central government for the mega event. “The security scheme is being drawn up. Apart from security on land, we are also going to patrol the river, which runs next to the Kala Akademi, the venue where IFFI’s inaugural function will be held.”
Security for the IFFI has been a major area of concern especially after the 26/11 terror attacks which were carried out from the sea. Both Kala Akademi and the adjoining INOX complex are located on the Mandovi river, which flows into the Arabian Sea. This has forced the police and other security agencies to tighten up marine security too.
Intelligence agencies have recently cautioned the state authorities about potential terror attacks from the sea.