Terror threat looms over IPL matches in Indore

Kochi Tuskers Kerala will play against Kings IX Punjab on May 13 while on May 15 Kochi Tuskers Kerala will play against Rajasthan Royals in the city. “We are not taking any chances on whatever information we have received. So,we have alerted the Madhya Pradesh government to take all necessary security measures immediately,” a Home Ministry official said.

The Madhya Pradesh police has gone ahead and tightened security arrangements through patrolling,checking of vehicles,thorough frisking of spectators and other security drills.

“We have got a generalised advisory from home ministry that some terror group might become active during the IPL matches,” said Indore Range’s Inspector General,Sanjay Rana.

“We are taking all the measures to ensure peaceful conduct of the matches,” he added.

Rana,however,denied any terrorist group had threatened to attack during the matches so far.

He said the police intelligence wing had swung into action and was gathering information.

Around 2,000 policeman,some of them in plain clothes,will man the stadium security. Bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs too will be available.

Indore has witnessed some activity of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) in the past.

Rana said the state ATS was keeping an eye on people suspected to have links with SIMI and Indian Mujahideen,as well as the members of these two organisations in jail.

IPL matches are being played in Madhya Pradesh for the first time. Kochi Tuskers will play against Kings XI Punjab on May 13,and Rajasthan Royals on May 15 here.