In response to the recent blasts outside Delhi's Red Fort, police forces in Surat and Vadodara have launched comprehensive security operations, intensifying surveillance on individuals with previous terror connections and implementing advanced monitoring systems across both cities.
Enhanced Security Measures Implemented
Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut has taken proactive measures by compiling a list of 15 individuals previously associated with the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). The list also includes those arrested during the significant recovery of 29 live bombs in 2008.
The police surveillance extends to multiple categories of potential threats, including terror accused released on bail, individuals arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and other serious crimes. Commissioner Gahlaut emphasized the comprehensive nature of their security approach, stating they are conducting vehicle surveillance, checking hotels and guest houses, and maintaining vigilance at crowded public spaces.
Historical Context and Current Monitoring
The security measures draw from historical cases that remain relevant to current threat assessments. In the notable 2008 bomb seizure case, Surat police had arrested two key individuals - Tanveer Pathan and Mohammed Zahir Patel, along with other arrests made nationwide. While a court found Pathan guilty in 2022, Patel was acquitted but remains under police surveillance.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Operations Group, Rajdeep Nakum confirmed that authorities are actively tracking Mohammed Zahir Patel and nine other SIMI activists currently at large. "We are monitoring their activities closely," Nakum stated, highlighting the ongoing nature of their investigations.
Advanced Technology Deployment
Surat police have significantly upgraded their technological capabilities, deploying approximately 19 drone cameras across various parts of the city, including coastal areas. This aerial surveillance complements traditional security measures and enhances the police's ability to monitor large areas effectively.
The coastal surveillance initiative extends to engaging local fishing communities. Fishermen have been alerted to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities observed at sea, creating a comprehensive coastal security network.
Vadodara's Parallel Security Operations
Meanwhile, Vadodara police have initiated similar security enhancements. A special police unit is systematically scanning records of individuals previously involved in cases concerning arms possession, explosives, and terror activities. Those who have been released from prison are being closely tracked to verify their current whereabouts and recent contacts.
Vadodara City Commissioner of Police Narasimha Komar explained their meticulous approach: "We have documentation of these individuals spanning the last 30 years. We are locating them to ascertain where these people are, whether they've contacted other suspicious individuals, if they're missing, or if they've moved to northern regions or other suspected areas."
Under the leadership of Joint Commissioner of Police Dr. Leena Patil, police teams have conducted combing operations in areas known to harbor migrants without proper documentation. These operations have resulted in the seizure of suspicious vehicles lacking proper documentation and number plates.
Public Safety Measures and Community Engagement
Both cities have implemented visible security presence at key public locations. Police teams have been strategically deployed at bus depots, hotels, guest houses, shopping malls, cinema halls, and other crowded areas to ensure public safety and deter potential threats.
Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads have joined regular police patrols, conducting thorough checks on vehicles parked in public areas including bus stands, railway stations, corporate office parks, and busy markets.
Recognizing Surat's status as a major textile and industrial hub that attracts workers from across India, police are actively engaging with community leaders and local informers. House owners are being advised to collect comprehensive details before renting to strangers and to share this information with local police authorities.
Commissioner Gahlaut made a public appeal for community cooperation: "We are urging the people of Surat to contact the police control room at 100 or 112 if they notice anything suspicious. The confidentiality of informers will be strictly maintained."
The security operations reflect a coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies and the community to prevent potential threats and maintain public safety in the wake of recent security concerns.
