Delhi on alert as security scare rings alarm bells

NEW DELHI: Intelligence warnings about terror outfits��� plans to strike at prominent locations in the city prompted a terror alert across the national capital on Monday. The police maintained vigil at all public places, including crowded shopping centres, railway stations, the metro network and other key government buildings.

���We received an input that some militant outfits are planning to create terror in the national capital by targeting some prominent locations, and based on that, we have taken necessary security precautions,��� joint commissioner of police (Special Cell) of the Delhi Police, Karnal Singh said.

Though the intelligence warning was general in nature and did not pinpoint the location or site under threat, the police, unwilling to take any chances, tightened security at all places of public convergence and of national importance.

Soon after the intelligence inputs flowed in, Delhi police commissioner YS Dadwal issued orders for stepping up vigil at major markets, crowded places, malls and public transport systems.

Security at Delhi Metro has also been beefed up. Police presence at these places has been increased, a senior police official said, adding patrolling has also been stepped up. ���There is no reason to panic. Police personnel have been alerted. We are keeping a close watch,��� the official added.

The Delhi Police has increased vigil at the entry and exit points of the city and the officials are coordinating with their counterparts in the neighbouring states. A close watch is being kept at cyber cafes and their owners have been asked to maintain a list of their customers, along with server logs.

Dealers selling mobile phone connections have been asked to maintain a list of their customers, along with their proper identification documents. Last month, the police had received inputs that some J&K-based militant outfit was planning to blow up Akshardham temple in east Delhi.