A high security alert has been put in the state of Jharkhand after the issue of security increased in the aftermath of the Delhi Red Fort blast incident. The Ranchi Railway Station, which is one of the busiest in transportation in the eastern part of India, has now been converted into a cantonment-like area as the authorities intensify the checking and surveillance in major areas of people.
Officials said that there were large forces of police and railway protection forces at Ranchi station. Entrance and exit gateways have been blocked, and all passengers are undergoing intensive scrutiny. Frisking, metal detection and luggage screening have become the mandatory requirements, and sniffer dogs and bomb squads have been roaming around the facility to ensure that no untoward incident can be popularized.
It has enhanced security measures in all key stations in the state, such as Ranchi, Dhanbad and Jamshedpur. Our staff are performing 24-hour patrolling and surveillance of suspicious movement, said one of the senior police officers.
The step follows intelligence reports that there are potential security threats to the major transport hubs. One of the sensitive points has been identified as the Ranchi railway station, which is a major junction between the eastern and northern parts of India. The administration has also ordered all district administrations to be on the alert and have high visibility of security forces in the congested places such as markets, bus stands and crowds.
The passengers have been requested to cooperate with the authorities and report any suspicious objects and behaviour. The officials at the railways have advised people to arrive at the railway stations early enough because the increased checks might cause a slight delay. We do realize the inconvenience this causes; however, passenger safety is our number one priority, said an official of the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
Besides the railway stations, hotels, malls and religious places in Ranchi have been placed under more security checks. The police have been adding more CCTV cameras, and they work hand in hand with other intelligence agencies to keep track of possible threats.
Although there is no irrefutable threat to Jharkhand to date, the government is preparing in advance to protect the citizens. The increase in alertness will be maintained until further notice from the Home Department.
The government has urged people to be calm and not spread rumours; they should be alert. As the Ranchi railway station seems to be a high-security area, the prompt action adopted by Jharkhand shows its dedication to keeping law and order in the situation of the developing national security threats.
