Bengaluru, 4 other cities put on high alert

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Intelligence reports indicate that terrorists had sneaked in from Kerala.

Bengaluru: The capital city of Karnataka faced a near lockdown situation on Saturday following a high intelligence input that terrorists had sneaked in from Kerala to spread panic and mayhem as an act of revenge over the Union government’s moves in Kashmir.

According to the inputs, the terrorists, mainly sleeper cells, have taken refuge in places of worship.

Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, who is in Delhi, said there were specific inputs over terror threats. Apart from the IT city, Mysuru, Mandya, Udupi and Hassan too were put on high alert.

In Bengaluru, special anti-terror squad Garuda was pressed into service to scan key installations and vital buildings including the Vidhana Soudha, Metro stations, the main Majestic Bus Stand and railway stations.

All people entering Metro stations were screened and vigil was increased at railway stations, airport, malls and places of worship.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao asked people not to panic and said the situation was well under control. To assuage the fear of people, he said the checks were ‘routine’.

In an unusual move, the police also assembled over 300 rowdy-sheeters at the central Parade Ground and warned them against indulging in any form of mischief.

In Mysuru, where the Dasara preparations have begun, the police threw a blanket of cover scanning key areas.

In the cities that were put on alert, the police asked the people to alert the law-enforcing agencies if they came across any suspicious movements or abandoned bags.