Movie halls, hotels in Bangalore to follow strict guidelines to ensure security

As a precaution against terror threats, the city police have directed all cinema halls to install metal detectors before December 30, to ensure the safety of movie-goers.

So multiplexes and movie halls will use metal detectors and frisk customers and their baggages.

The police met the authorities of the cinema halls and issued an instruction in writing to closely monitor and check every customer who walks in. Anything suspicious should be immediately reported.

“It was a dated proposal to install metal detectors at the theatres in the interest of the security of the movie buffs. Some theatres have been following the instructions, but others have not taken it seriously. So we are called them for a meeting and strictly instructed them to install the security equipment,” a senior police officer said.

The police also called a meeting with the authorities of hotels and lodges of the city to keep an eye on strangers during the New Year celebrations. Strict instructions have been given to them in writing.

As per the instructions, the management should collect a photo identity of the guests checking in. The police also warned them that the management of the hotel or lodge will be held responsible if they fail to collect information about customers, and if found that they are involved in any unlawful activities.

“We have instructed to the hotels and lodges to be careful during the New Year celebration. They must inform to the jurisdictional police if any foreigners booked the room. We have also told them to also keep a watch on suspicious persons,” deputy commissioner of police (west division) SN Sidramappa said.

The police said that the each police station of the city had 20 to 50 rifles and revolvers. While police officers above the level of sub-inspectors are instructed to carry their revolvers, constables, head constables and assistant sub-inspectors were instructed to carry their rifles during the new year celebrations.

Upparpet and Chickpet police have created checkpoints at the Majestic and other sensitive areas, such as the BMTC bus stand, KSRTC bus stop and City railway station. The police are instructed to be armed and patrol the area.

“The entire city will be on high-alert during the New Year celebration till January 6, as the city is under the hit list of terror attacks,” a senior police officer said. Even night-time patrolling has been intensified, the police said.