No terror threat but Goa on alert

Panaji : In a revelation a week after the Varanasi blast, Goa has been on alert even as top police officers deny any terror threat.

Police sources confirmed that the state was put on alert soon after the explosion at Dasaswamedh Ghat in Varanasi that injured several devotees.

The coastal state is witnessing huge inflow of tourists with the on-going tourist season and the fast approaching Christmas and New Year celebrations.

?We are carrying out intensive patrolling across the state to ensure safe environment for local residents as well tourists holidaying here. There is no specific terror input but we have to remain alert,? said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity.

All big and small establishments dotted along the coastal stretch have been issued security advisories to install CCTVs, metal detectors and carry out frisking of all visitors.

?We have asked the establishments to install CCTVs with 30 days storage capacity, which should be available for the police as and when required. We have asked owners of the establishments to maintain a close watch and intimate the police on any suspicious activities, persons and other objects,? North Goa Superintendent of Police Arvind Gawas said.

Police have also warned that any person permitting narcotics use will be booked under Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act, which can attract minimum 10 years of imprisonment.

Goa invites nearly 25 lakh tourists annually, of which 21 lakh are domestic and the remaining foreign visitors.