This is for the first time in the history of sporting events in Mumbai that such a security measure has been taken.
Security officials armed with sniper rifles will be positioned on the terraces of buildings around Wankhede Stadium on the day of the final match of the cricket World Cup.
This is for the first time in the history of sporting events in the city that such a security measure has been taken.
“Two policemen are likely to be stationed on each terrace along with sniper rifles. We have drawn a list of buildings whose terraces provide a view of the stadium. We will speak to residents and authorities of commercial buildings about the measure,” said a senior police official.
“A large number of people watch cricket matches from building terraces. There is a possibility that terrorist elements may take advantage of this.”
The police will also use their stock of 100 Special Voice Ducers (SVD), purchased in November last year for effective communication in the midst of high levels of noise, at the mega event.
An official said the devices will help cops present in the crowd to stay in constant touch with each other and also with their counterparts outside the stadium. These will be push-to-talk devices connected with a bug-mike and a microphone.
“Plainclothes policemen will be in the stadium to monitor movement and conversations. They will collect intelligence from the ground to avoid any terror-related incident,” the official said.
These measures will be taken with an eye on the large turnout expected for the final. A four-layer security blanket will be in place on the days of the two league matches.
“Spectators who arrive late will have to face some inconvenience, as they will have to carry an identification card and explain the reason for being late,” said the official. Only vehicles with police convoys will be allowed to come close to the stadium.
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