Security stepped up across West Bengal for Republic Day

Kolkata, Jan 20 (IANS) Republic Day is five days away and security has already been stepped up across West Bengal, said the police.

'There was already high security across the state after the Mumbai terror attacks and it has been enhanced for Republic Day. We have already alerted all police stations, especially all district superintendents and rail police,' state police's Inspector General (law and order) Raj Kanojia told IANS Tuesday.

Kanojia said additional forces have already been deployed at important and crowded places.

'Besides, there will be special forces on Jan 26 (Monday). Already checking processes have been stepped up. Sniffer dogs are taking regular rounds, especially at big railway stations like Howrah Station.'

The officer further said bomb squad personnel have also been asked to be prepared to rush to any spot within minutes in case of any emergency.

However, Kanojia said: 'So far, we don't have any news about terror threats or terrorist attack possibility on this year's Republic Day. But we are ready to take prompt action in case of an untoward incident.'

The city police too have tightened security arrangements for Jan 26.

'We have increased checking operations across the city. The number of electronic checking machines, metal detectors and sniffer dogs has been increased. Our officers are checking every man, luggage and vehicle before allowing them to enter vulnerable places like malls, hotels and metro railways,' police commissioner Gautam Mohan Chakraborty said.