India
Updated : Nov 26, 2013, 03:34 AM IST
Security at Swarnim Sankul I, chief minister Narendra Modi’s office, was beefed up on Thursday in the wake of Intelligence inputs suggesting that terror operatives could disguise as mediapersons to gain access into the building. Journalists who frequent the CMO and the other offices in the building had to back their credentials before being allowed entry.
“Against the backdrop of Intelligence inputs, we have started checking credentials of media-persons and other visitors coming to Swarnim Sankul I and the purpose of their visit,” DySP PP Vyas, in-charge of security of Sachivalaya, told dna.
Some mediapersons were not allowed entry in Swarnim Sankul I. Police clarified that there were restrictions only for the third floor, where Modi sits, and not for other floors. “Entry has been restricted for media persons for the time being because of the IB input. We are sending their cards to officers concerned,” said an official of the CMO’s security team.
State Intelligence officials, meanwhile, said that threat level to Modi has gone up after the recent escape of six SIMI operatives from Khandwa jail. Plotting by Indian Mujahideen as well Lashkar-e-Toiba has not been ruled out either, they said. There has also been information of some movement by Punjab-based terror suspects, , officials added.
The input and call for stronger security cover came when Modi hosted a lunch for mediapersons in Gandhinagar on November 13, where around 350 mediapersons were present, said a senior official. At the time, an Intelligence input had suggested that a terror operative may use false identification and disguise of a media person to get inside to target the chief minister, sources said.
“Following the event, inputs also indicated that a similar strategy may be used by the operatives to get inside Swarnim Sankul I, which houses the CM’s office as well as those of cabinet ministers,” said a senior official on condition of anonymity.