Intelligence Bureau warns of Islamabad Marriott-style attacks. The warning is valid for today and tomorrow
In the first such instance of its kind, the Intelligence Bureau has issued a specific alert to the Mumbai police of a possible terrorist strike on the city using explosives-laden trucks or oil tankers to ram into luxury hotels and vital installations.
According to the bureau’s alert, the attacks are likely to take place in the next two days. Following this, all luxury hotels and vital installations across the city have been put on high alert. Checkpoints have been set up at major junctions and policemen have been told to be on the lookout for suspiciously moving trucks and tankers. Police stations have also been told to step up vigilance in crowded places.
Considering the nature of the threat, policemen on bandobast duty have been cautioned to remain alert for their own security. Armed policemen wearing bulletproof vests have been posted at nodal points.
The bureau’s alert specifically mentioned the Bombay Stock Exchange, the Gateway of India, Andheri railway station, and some other vital installations. Vigilance has also been stepped up at car parks across the city, particularly at luxury hotels. The police are keenly scrutinising CCTV footage from cameras installed in crowded places and near important establishments.
According to an intelligence officer, the attack could be similar to the one on the JW Marriott in Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2008.
Senior police officers said alerts are sent regularly by the Intelligence Bureau, but this one is particularly specific and, hence, is being taken very seriously. “We have set up nakabandis across Mumbai and asked our personnel to check all vehicles, including cars and two-wheelers,” said one officer on condition of anonymity. Police personnel have been instructed to disallow any vehicles to wait in crowded localities or near vital installations.
Residential buildings, malls, and multiplexes have been told to carry out thorough checks of their parking areas and identify any suspicious objects or persons. “Luxury hotels have also been told to step up their vigilance inside and outside their premises,” the officer said.
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