Hoax calls trigger panic, security tightened

Abandoned and unclaimed objects fuelled panic in a few cities as bomb disposal squads worked overtime to calm people.

In cities like Pune, hoax SMSs to avoid busy areas triggered anxious moments.

Security was especially tightened in Kerala in the wake of a phone call to a Kannada TV channel that the state would be targetted by terrorists. Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan convened a high-level meet to review the security preparedness. The famed Sree Krishna temple in Guruvayoor was under special watch.

With a plot to carry out bomb attacks on Independence day on August 15 in Tamil Nadu foiled by police on Sunday, security was beefed up in the state.

Hoax calls and panic over abandoned objects were reported in Karnataka, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra. They kept the police on their toes and authorities were taking no chances.

In Madhya Pradesh, another BJP-ruled state, night screening of films were banned as a precautionary measure. There were also reports that devotees have been asked not to carry coconuts or any offerings to temples in the state.