Hyderabad, May 16: Even as there are no specific intelligence alerts about possible trouble during the fourth anniversary of the Makkah Masjid bomb blast on May 18, security is being beefed up in the city , particularly at places of worship and sensitive places.
“We are stepping up security at the mosque, Charminar, monuments, places of worship and other public places. There is no major threat (of an attack) this year as Viqaruddin, who is accused of firing at policemen, is in jail,” city police commissioner AK Khan told reporters after inaugurating a dental camp for policemen and their families at Goshamahal on Sunday.
Viqaruddin shot dead a Home Guard at Falaknuma in 2009 and an AP Special Police constable at Moghulpura in 2010 to protest against police firing after the blasts which killed several protesting youths on that day.
“All precautions will be taken to prevent any untoward incident,” Khan said, adding that vehicle checking and patrolling would be intensified in the Old City.
On gun licences Khan said they started verifying the licences after the recent attack on MIM legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi at Chandrayangutta.
“We have verified nearly 2,000 licences and found 270 of the licence-holders violating norms. We have issued notices to 91 of them.’’
Khan warned that stern action would be taken against history-sheeters and externment notices were issued to three such elements.
“We are receiving information about such persons from local officers and we will initiate action soon.’’
Khan denied that police were harassing members of the family of Chiranjeevi’s son-in-law Shirish Bharadwaj who has been accused of harassing his wife Srija.