Hyderabad On High Alert Today And Tomorrow

All of Hyderabad has been put on high alert today and tomorrow following warnings of a bomb blast in the city issued by the Central Intelligence Bureau. Security has been tightened to snapping point at all bus stops and parking lots in crowded places, shopping malls, parks, temples, marketplaces, and other likely "targets".

The Sai Baba temple in Dilsukhnagar, which was to be the original target of the terrorist attack that took place in that area exactly two weeks ago, is swarming with police officers and security personnel, in view of the blasts. Even the bomb squad, equipped with sniffing dogs, has descended onto the temple.

Security has also been beefed up keeping in mind the increased footfall at temples on Thursdays. No bags are being allowed into the temple, and every vehicle parked there is being checked.

Impromptu raids are being conducted at shopping malls and multiplexes, and one such raid at Big Bazaar in Abids revealed the sadly inadequate security there, leading to the shopping complex being closed temporarily, until the securty there has been beefed up. Sources from the police say that policemen in plain clothes could easily sneak in guns into the premises, and that metal detectors were not functioning. Reports say that GVK One, Banjara Hills, is also being considered for a similar shut down.

Meanwhile, hoax calls are sending cops on wild goose chases all over the city.