Kolkata: Following the arrest of six top Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) activists, including four wanted in the 2014 Khagragarh blast case in Burdwan district, West Bengal is on high alert.
The JMB activists arrested by the Kolkata Police Special Task Force included Anwar Hussain Farooq, the head of the outfit’s West Bengal unit, and Yusuf Sheikh, the second in command in the state. Sheikh, also the JMB chief motivator in the state, carried a reward Rs1 million on his head announced by National Investigating Agency. The police claim that these suspects were planning a terrorist attack in the country.
According to state police officials, JMB is planning a retaliatory attack especially ahead of the biggest Hindu festival of Durga Puja. “We have received several inputs from the national intelligence department to be extra cautious, as there might be a terror attack in any public place — Kolkata or Saltlake city. We have increased security in public places, and have alerted the local police stations to take immediate action in case of suspicious activities,” a senior officer said.
Police have been deployed in all places where people congregate, as shopping is a major activity ahead of the festive season. Teams of policemen will be on vigil to prevent terrorists from targeting vital installations and events or areas that expect heavy footfall. Quick Reaction Team officers, along with police, snipers and combat vehicles will also be deployed in parts of the city. Cops are also checking guest records of hotels across Kolkata. Warnings have been issued against flying drones and para-gliders.
“All shopping malls, and places like New Market are being told to be extra vigilant as terrorist may target areas where people gather,” the officer added.
