Bengaluru Police Commissioner N S Megharik on Monday said the City police had not recieved any specific threat alerts on Islamic State (IS) from the Central agencies.
“We have not received any threats alerts regarding possible strikes by the Islamic State ultras. The Central investigation and intelligence agencies have not sent any specific alerts,” Megharik told reporters referring to reports of possible terror attacks in the City during the year-end.
The City police keep receiving alerts from the Central agencies about terror strikes, but many a time such alerts are general in nature and vague. They are normally received during festivities and year-end, but till now, there has been no specific alert about any possible attack by the Islamic State terrorists, he added.
Megharik said there was no threat by any terror group other than the IS. The City police were fully equipped to handle any situation.
“We are ready to tackle any situation in case of emergency. The City police have the Garuda Force, which is trained in handling terror incidents. Our Rapid Action Force is also equally capable of handling any situation. Hence, I request Bengalureans not to panic,” he added. He said the City police had taken measures to curb terror attacks.
There were a few Islamic State-related activities in the past and the police have successfully investigated and controlled them. The police are keeping a close watch on Islamic State-related propaganda, he said.
The commissioner said the police had taken all steps to ensure peaceful celebration of New Year in the City. Security will be intensified at public places, iconic structures, malls, airport and other locations, he said.