Security beefed up in Andhra Pradesh

In the wake of the Mumbai terror attack, the Andhra Assembly, has been fortified with three tiers of security.

In the wake of the Mumbai terror attack, the Andhra Assembly, has been fortified with three tiers of security. The secretariat is swarming with cops too. About 800 additional personnel drawn from the Special Protection Force, the Quick Response Team and the City Armed Reserve Police have been posted at both the places. As the winter session started on Monday, police personnel drawn from neighbouring districts have also been deployed at the Assembly building. This is over and above the 400-odd personnel already posted at the two places.

Officials said security was augmented after an action plan was submitted by Director General of Police SSP Yadav to the government over the weekend. 8220;The fortification has been done as part of special precautions being taken. Personnel have also been deployed at public places like Indira and Lumbini Park. The SPF is posted at outer ring at Assembly and Secretariat. Since the Assembly is in progress we tightened security there. City police and AP Special Police are posted there,8221; Police Commissioner B Prasada Rao said.

Visitors and party supporters who usually go to the Assembly from various constituencies have also been restricted this time. Steel barricades have been erected around the Assembly building and a row of crash barriers have been put in place at the gates.

8220;Security has been beefed up at the outer gates. The 8216;C8217; and 8216;A8217; blocks at the secretariat have also been fortified. Additional forces have been deployed as security has been upgraded based on a plan of action given by the DGP,8221; says DCP Hanumantha Rao. Central Zone DCP P Hari Kumar said that it was normal to post additional police force during Assembly sessions.

While all roads leading to the Assembly are swarmed with cops, public places like the Secunderabad Railway Station and the Central Bus Station continue to remain vulnerable as security arrangements are minimal. Officials, however, say that mobile patrolling and checking and frisking has been increased in the city.

On the first day of the session, the house adjourned after mourning the victims of Mumbai and paying homage to former Prime Minister V P Singh.