Sniffer dogs, bomb squad pressed into service in Kovai

At Coimbatore railway station, sniffer dogs and bomb squad sleuths were pressed into service on Thursday. They carried out a thorough examination at the station and along the tracks. “Security has been beefed up with around 475 personnel, including RPF, railway police and city police,” said a railway official. He also warned people against jaywalking on tracks, placing stones on tracks and consuming liquor near the tracks.

Similarly, the Coimbatore city police are maintaining a heightened vigil with round the clock patrolling and all the vehicles are being thoroughly checked at the entry and exit points of the city. Police personnel were also deployed to religious institutions.

The Nilgiris has been brought under security cover with about 900 policemen and the 13 check posts. All cultural programmes involving school children have been cancelled in view of the pandemic.

Also, this year’s celebration would be unusual as police personnel are likely to march with their masks on and by following social distancing on Saturday.

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, the police on Thursday rehearsed the parade with masks and by following social distancing at VOC Park in Erode district.