Pets can be used for sabotage: ATS advises people to be vigilant ahead of Republic Day

Flagging possible use of domesticated animals for "sabotage", Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Saturday advised the people to be "extra vigilant" in the run-up to the Republic Day.

"Events on the Republic Day and the long holidays where people gather in large numbers can be targeted by anti-national elements and the public is requested to be extra vigilant," a statement issued by ATS said.

"Pet animals can also be used for sabotage. Therefore be very cautious about animals with clothing and report any suspicious activity," it said.

The statement has been issued after a review of the evolving security situation, and threat of terror act in the state and in other parts of the country cannot be ruled out, it said.

Tensions on the border, bomb blasts in courts in south India carried out by Base Movement group, the Kanpur railway accident which points to involvement of overseas elements, sensitive judgements in the cases related to train blasts, Aurangabad arms haul and Indian Mujahideen modules can lead to attempts by terrorist outfits to strike, it said.

The ATS also advised people not to fall prey to rumours spreading through social media and not to circulate them either.