An unattended box on the carrier of a cycle or a scooter can be a potential target for a terrorist planting bombs. In separate security briefings spread over a fortnight,this was one of the crucial instructions drilled by the Mumbai Police to a body of 7,000 restaurant owners from across the city. The briefing,which takes place every three months,focuses on the most relevant security issue based on intelligence reports and field observations. In terror attacks across the country,two-wheelers have been used as targets by right wing groups and terror outfits like Indian Mujahideen. In a review,the police have asked hotel owners to ensure that one camera faces the road,and the feeds for that camera are stored for a longer period. Many restaurant owners have been installing CCTV cameras in the last three years,post November 26 terror attacks when Cafe Leopold was attacked by terrorists. In repeated security audits,the police have found that the placement of the camera lens are within the premises and never facing the entry points. The police have asked hotel owners to sensitise delivery boys on various measures to keep a check on the boxes. We have asked our delivery boys to check the boxes every time they exit a building or parking area. Monitoring these boxes closely could still be difficult, said Jayesh Shah,owner of Aditi fast food restaurant chain which has outlets spread between Andheri and Malad. These hotels are spread out at every road and corner of the city and we expect them to be our ears and eyes at places as its practically impossible for the police to be present 24 hours at every location, said Jaywant Hergude,Assistant Commissioner of Police (Malad Division). Ashwin Shetty,President of Hotel Association of Mumbai confirmed that there is a requirement for road-facing cameras from hotel establishments. We have also been asked to be alert for visitors entering with weapons, said Shetty. All security briefings were conducted by the ranks of Deputy Commissioner of Police in respective zones. The other three groups which have seen similar briefings are trustees of public and private institutes,mall owners and housing colonies which have single exit entry points. We work on intelligence regularly. Our constables have been observing various details on rounds and patrolling. We are ensuring that a preventive action is in place, said a senior IPS official.
