Checking drive launched in city, district

VARANASI: The police on Wednesday launched standard operating procedures (SOPs) at possible terror targets in the city and other districts of Varanasi zone. As part of the SOP, a massive checking drive, especially in and around the district courts, was launched in all the 10 districts of the zone.
The initiative came after IG zone S K Bhagat gave a surprise call for checking drives in the zone in view of Dadri lynching case anniversary and alerts sounded by intelligence agencies regarding possibility of terror attacks.Responding to the call, police along with bomb disposal, dog and anti-sabotage squads and quick reaction teams (QRTs) carried out intensive checks at the targetted venues.
SSP Akash Kulhary led a team in and around the district court and collectorate premises in Varanasi. Later, Bhagat also joined this team. Similar exercises were also seen at Cantonment railway station, Sankat Mochan temple and also at ghats along the Ganga and in Sarnath.
After terror attacks at Dashaswamedh Ghat, Sankat Mochan temple, Cantonment railway station and district court between 2005 and 2010, police had prepared SOPs to follow in case of a terror attack. Later, more sites including Sarnath were brought under the ambit of SOPs.
Police in 10 districts of the zone, including Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Ballia, Azamgarh, Mau, Bhadohi and Naxal affected Mirzapur, Sonebhadra and Chandauli, also carried out checking drives. SP Mirzapur Arvind Sen said the main focus was on the district court while tehsil headquarters were also checked with BDS and QRTs. Combing operations in Naxal affected areas were also intensified since morning.
Bhagat said, "It was a precautionary exercise to check preparedness and response time of the forces." He admitted that facts are being studied to initiate necessary measures for improvement in the functioning of police to give quick response in case of an emergency.
The officials said that people were also alerted and trained during this drive to keep sharp vigil in their localities and neighbourhood in order to alert the police in case noticing any doubtful person or activities.