Ayodhya verdict: Police tighten security in Kerala

Elaborate security arrangements have been made by police as a precautionary measure ahead of the Allahabad high court's verdict in the Ayodhya case to be pronounced tomorrow.

Over 30,000 police personnel including rapid action, anti-sabotage and strike forces and bomb squad would be deployed from midnight tonight across the state, police said.

A high-level meeting of officials police top brass will be held later in the evening to review the situation.

Prohibitory orders under the Kerala Police Act have already been issued for the next two days in Kozhikode, Kannur and Alappuzha districts. Sources said the restrictions were also likely to be extended to other districts by evening, if necessary.

The order bars processions, demonstrations and assembly of more than five persons. If necessary, authorities have been given instructions for preventive arrests.

Intelligence Bureau had alreted the state police to take necessary security measures to prevent extremist outfits trying to spark trouble in the state after the verdict.

Police would beef up security around places of worship, airports, railway stations and public places, sources said.