Modi fast: Security blanket thrown over Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad: City cops have chalked out a detailed plan for CM Narendra Modi's security in view of his fast beginning on Saturday. According to police officials, safety and security of VIPs and dignitaries will be their top priority.

Elaborating on the security measures, Sudhir Sinha, Commissioner of Police, said that escorting VIPs from airport to GMDC ground will be dealt with utmost care. Top BJP leaders like Sushma Swaraj, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Rajnath Singh, Anurag Thakur, Kirit Somaiya and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi are expected to be in the city for the three-day fast by Narendra Modi at Gujarat University Convention Center.

According to Shamsher Singh, JCP - special branch, convoy marshals will handle the security of these VIPs. They will be responsible in piloting the VIP convoy to the venue from the airport. "We have a well-defined code to handle dignitaries with Z category security. These convoy marshals are trained to take the convoy safely to the designated place," said Singh.

Apart from Modi's fast, Congress leader Shakersinh Vaghela will sit on a fast at Sabarmati Ashram and Maldhari leaders will fast at Income-Tax on Ashram Road. "Cop deployment will be a city-wide affair. We have even called under training woman cops for bandobast," said Singh.

Sinha further said that 63 probationary women DySPs and PSIs have been specially hauled in for the exercise. "They were sent in by the state DGP to handle the security at these venues. We have been informed that around 500 visitors are expected to arrive at Sabarmati Ashram daily, while 25,000 will arrive at GMDC ground," said Sinha. For the VIPs arriving at the GMDC, there will be a separate VIP gate. Apart from top police officials, 900 male and 200 female constables will be deployed.

Ten watch towers and 40 CCTV cameras will keep a tab on every movement at the convention centre.