Headcount of locals around Wankhede on

In a bid to ensure that no antisocial or terrorist elements position themselves in residential and commercial buildings during the World Cup final match for an attack, city police have been carrying out a census of residents close to the vicinity of Wankhede Stadium at Marine Drive.

A similar census was undertaken before the visit of United States president Barack Obama in November last year.

“A dedicated team of policemen have been assigned the task of getting details such as residents’ names, contact numbers, number of persons in the family, domestic help and about those expected to visit the home to get a special view of the stadium,” said a senior police official, requesting anonymity.

He added that details of watchmen and building staff are also being taken. “Terrorist elements might disguise themselves. We do not want to take any chances as high-profile dignitaries are expected to come to the venue. There are also intelligence alerts on possible terror strikes during the World Cup. The census process will end in the coming days. It is an unprecedented security measure being taken for this international event,” the officer said.

However, the police have already decided to place sniper rifles on the terraces of buildings in the immediate vicinity of the stadium. A team of Marine Drive police also visited a few residential buildings at D-Road on Sunday, seeking their details and also to inform them about the security measures to be taken.

“We had also written to the ministry of home affairs to declare the Marine Drive area as a no-fly zone but are still awaiting a reply. We have been taking adequate security measures and security drills at the venue,” said deputy commissioner of police, operations, Rajkumar Vhatkar.