Thaindian News

Kolkata, July 13 (IANS) As multiple blasts rocked Mumbai, a high alert was sounded in Kolkata Wednesday with the city police warning of a likelihood of terrorists taking shelter in the city and asking landlords to verify the antecedents of tenants before renting out their premises.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Ranjit Pachnanda, who went round parts of the city to monitor the security preparedness Wednesday night, said “we are on high alert. Security has been intensified around multi-plexes, malls, hotels, restaurants, shops and bus stands”.

“Intense patrolling and checking is on at all the entry and exit points in the city.”

He said all the deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and officers-in-charge of police stations were on the road.

“I would like to tell the people that we are with you,” he said.

An official release issued hours before the news of the blasts came in said the police have received reports of terrorists and anti-social elements seeking hideouts in various residential areas of the city under the north division, south division, port division, eastern suburban division and south east division.

“There is a likelihood of breach of peace and tranquillity and consequently a grave danger to human life and safety and injury to public property,” the release said.

Accordingly, the release asked the landlords to check the antecedents of prospective tenants so that terrorists and anti-social elements could not trigger riots or cause damage to public property.

The release said violation of the directive could lead to punitive action.