The Central Government has urged Madhya Pradesh government to stay alert and tighten security in Indore in the wake of intelligence inputs that terrorists may try to target the city during the two IPL matches to be hosted there this week.
Acting on a tip-off, the home ministry asked the state government to deploy additional security forces in the city, particularly in and around Holkar Stadium, where the two matches will be held on Friday and Sunday.
Kochi Tuskers Kerala will take on Kings IX Punjab on May 13 and Rajasthan Royals on May 15 in the city.
“We are not taking any chances on whatever information we have received. So, we have alerted Madhya Pradesh police to take all necessary security measures immediately,” a home ministry official said.
The state government has been advised to intensify its patrolling, checking of vehicles, thorough frisking of spectators and other security drills attached to the big event.
“We have got a generalised advisory from Home Ministry that some terror group might become active during the IPL matches,” said Indore Range’s Inspector General, Sanjay Rana. “We are taking all the measures to ensure peaceful conduct of the matches,” he added.
Mr. Rana, however, denied any terrorist group had threatened to attack during the matches so far. He said the police intelligence wing had swung into action and was gathering information.
Around 2,000 policeman, some of them in plain clothes, will man the stadium security. Bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs too will be available.
Indore has witnessed some activity of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) in the past. Mr. Rana said the State ATS was keeping an eye on people suspected to have links with SIMI and Indian Mujahideen, as well as the members of these two organisations in jail.
IPL matches are being played in Madhya Pradesh for the first time. Kochi Tuskers will play against Kings XI Punjab on May 13, and Rajasthan Royals on May 15 here.