AHMEDABAD: The Director-General of Police (DGP) in Gujarat, Vikas Sahay, has issued instructions to various police units across the state to remain in "alert mode" and closely monitor potential troublemakers and sensitive areas in preparation for the India-Pakistan World Cup cricket match taking place in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Over 6,000 personnel from the Gujarat police, as well as units from the National Security Guard (NSG), Rapid Action Force (RAF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), among others, will be deployed in Ahmedabad city and at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the Motera area during the match.
Sahay outlined that the security setup encompasses five key pillars: safeguarding the stadium and spectators, managing traffic and parking, ensuring the security of the cricket teams, vigilant oversight of anti-social elements, and preventing any untoward incidents throughout the state.
The DGP assured that the Gujarat police are fully prepared to ensure the smooth execution of the cricketing event. To address any potential issues, the Ahmedabad crime branch, Anti-Terrorist Squad, and Special Operations Group have been mobilized to deal with anti-social elements and potential threats. Since the match will conclude around 10:30 pm, all Gujarat police units across the state have been placed on alert after 8 pm.
Additionally, the State Reserve Police (SRP) units stationed at their respective headquarters throughout the state are on "alert position" for rapid deployment in case of emergencies.
Sahay emphasized the need for all Superintendents of Police, Commissioners of Police, and Range Inspector Generals across the state to maintain a close watch on potential troublemakers and sensitive areas.
The DGP recommended that spectators use the metro train service as it is conveniently located opposite the stadium's gate, despite ample parking space within the stadium premises.
Earlier, the Ahmedabad Commissioner of Police, G. S. Malik, disclosed that four senior IPS officers and 21 deputy commissioner of police (DCP) rank officers would supervise and guide personnel on the day of the match in Ahmedabad.
In preparation for any chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies during the match, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and NDRF will also be deployed in the city.
In recent weeks, authorities have responded to threats related to the event, including the arrest of an individual for allegedly sending an email warning of an attack on the Narendra Modi Stadium. Furthermore, an FIR was registered against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the head of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), who had threatened to turn the Cricket World Cup into a "World Terror Cup."
(With agency inputs)
