Ahmedabad: In the wake of Pune terror attack,
various measures like checking of hotels and vehicles have
been taken to tighten security in the city, a top police
officer said on Sunday.
"Gujarat, especially Ahmedabad, has been the target of
terrorists for long, and we also know that Tahawwur Hussain
Rana (aide of terror suspect David Headley) had stayed in the
city. So we do not want to take any chances," Joint
Commissioner of Police Satish Sharma told reporters here.
Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistan origin, arrested by
FBI along with Headley on charges of plotting attacks in
India, had stayed at a hotel in the city during his visit here
last year.
Investigations into the Pune blast has revealed Headley
had twice visited Osho Ashram near the German bakery (where
the explosion took place yesterday) in Koregaon park area.
"We have beefed up security measures across the city and
are checking vehicles and hotels, especially those hotels
where foreigners are staying," he said.
Asked if there was any link between the blast in Pune and
the one that took place in Ahmedabad in July 2008, Sharma said
it was too early to say anything.
"We do not know about the investigation there. We are
are in touch with them (Pune police). If they require any
help, we would be sending our team," Sharma said.
He said a general security alert was sounded across
the state and police personnel have been deployed in strength
at all public places like malls, theatres, railway
stations and other places.
" It (to provide security) is a challenge before us
and we have also appealed to the people to inform us of any
suspicious person or items or vehicles lying abandoned," he
said.
Sharma said his department has issued a notification
that calls for people to inform police about details of
tenants living in their houses.
"All house owners who have rented their property
should submit details of tenants to the nearest police
station," he said.
PTI
