Security enhanced for the first ODI between India and Australia in Hyderabad

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The Rachakonda police in Hyderabad have improved security in and around the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium at Uppal ahead of the first One-Day International (ODI) between India and Australia on March 2 amidst rising tensions between India and Pakistan at the border. In a statement, Rachakonda Commissioner Mahesh Bhagwat said that several police teams were deployed along with personnel of the elite Organisation for Counter Terrorist Operations (OCTOPUS) force.

The two teams will clash in the first ODI at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad on March 2.

 Mr. Bhagwat stated, “The stadium is under surveillance of 200 CCTV cameras which will be monitored from the joint command and control room at the stadium. Anti-sabotage checks will continue round-the-clock until the match is over. Scanners have been installed at the stadium to detect explosives and prohibited material inside the venue. The bomb disposal team and sniffer dogs have already been pressed into service to ensure safety in the stadium and at parking places. There will be four special mobile technician teams at each gate to check the mobile phones of spectators before allowing them inside.”

The Commissioner also said that elaborate arrangements were in place to ensure that the road was cleared for the movement of VIPs. For the convenience of spectators, the Hyderabad Metro Rail will run till 1 am on March 3, to ensure an easy commute for the spectators. Given the number of spectators expected, the number of ambulances on standby has been increased from three to eight, and five fire tenders will be present at the stadium.

The statement by the Rachakonda police came even as the Cyberabad police in Hyderabad boosted security in parts of the city in view of the rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

On the other hand, Cyberabad Commissioner V C Sajjanar said in a message, “We have alerted all our officers to intensify patrolling, conduct surprise checks, intensify anti sabotage checks etc. We also kept all our force on standby too. Special police pickets have been posted in all sensitive areas. We are coordinating with other forces.”

“All necessary precautionary steps have been put in place. Our force is fully geared. There is no need to panic. Please alert everyone not to believe rumours. Your safety is our concern,” he added.