Coimbatore remains under high-security alert; close vigil on places of religious importance

Coimbatore: Coimbatore district remained on high-security alert for the third consecutive day with places of worship especially churches under heightened vigil after intelligence inputs said that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists had infiltrated into Tamil Nadu.

This comes after three people were taken into custody on Saturday on suspicion of being in touch with a man detained in Kerala for alleged links with terrorists.

However, they were released later after questioning on a condition that they would appear before the police whenever required.

Meanwhile, tight security measures remained in place with heavy checking of vehicles and baggage across the city after intel inputs said that terrorists who had entered the state were heading towards Coimbatore.

All the sensitive installations are on alert while cops have placed large congregation under vigil.

Since the terrorists entered the country by sea from Sri Lanka, cops are suspecting that attacks may be carried out on places of worship, particularly churches, where a large number of faithful gather on Sunday. The Easter Sunday bombings carried out by National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NJT) in Sri Lanka were synchronized and the state administration, despite receiving intelligence inputs from India failed to take action against the coordinated attacks.

The commando force personnel carried out security and anti-sabotage checks in major churches yesterday with the assistance of sniffer dogs.

The international airport has been placed under three-tier security and over 2,000 police personnel have been deployed in malls and public places in the city.

The police have also deployed 10 Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) at strategic locations all over the district.

In the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, the Chittoor police intensified search operations in Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu bordering areas like Nagari, Chittoor, Palamaneru, Kuppam, etc.

Apart from this, security has been beefed up at various famous pilgrim centres like Tirumala, Srikalahasti, and Kanipakam.

A high alert has also been issued in the adjoining Tirupati Urban Police range with large-scale frisking and searches operations on Srikalahasti-Tirupati roadway.

A high alert has also been sounded by the Indian Navy on seas and in coastal areas after intelligence inputs suggested that suspected terrorists of the LeT have intruded into Tamil Nadu.

As per the intel inputs, six LeT terrorists infiltrated into the state by sea from Sri Lanka and moved to different cities. Kerala DGP Loknath Behera has also ordered district police chiefs to maintain tight security across the state.