Security beefed up in Mumbai following terror attack alert

Mumbai: Police and security forces in the financial capital of Mumbai have been put on high alert following information from intelligence agencies of a suspected Khalistani terror plot that is predicted to target the city on the Eve of New Year's celebrations. Leaves and holidays have been cancelled inside the police force as it musters to combat the threat.

Mumbai Police officials have said they are on alert and will keep a strict vigil across the city on December 31. The Government Railway Police (GRP) have also stepped up security at prominent railway stations considering the threat and have taken anti-sabotage measures.

A Times Now report claimed that police sources fear that VIP and suburban areas where large groups of people have more chance to gather are major areas of concern and under the police's lens.

Besides this, Section 144 has been imposed across the city from midnight on Friday to deal with the spike in Covid-19 infections that have soared past 3,500 cases on Thursday. However, according to data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, most infections are mild and have low rates of hospitalisation.

The orders were issued on Wednesday under Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) Section 144 by a deputy commissioner of police (operations) S Chaitanya.

"Mumbai police have prohibited all the new year gatherings and parties in closed and open places, there is a possibility that people may gather in small groups of not more than four persons," a Mumbai police official told PTI.

The police order prohibits all New Year celebrations, programmes, functions and gatherings in any closed or open space, including hotels, restaurants, banquet halls, bars, pubs, orchestras, resorts, clubs and rooftops.