Security beefed up in Odisha for Independence Day

Bhubaneswar: Elaborate security arrangements have been made across Odisha for the 70th Independence Day celebrations, police said on Sunday.

Police sources said high alert has been sounded in Maoist-prone areas, and combing operations have been intensified in the affected districts to avoid any untoward incident during the celebrations.

Director General of Police (DGP) K.B. Singh said all districts have been alerted to take adequate security measures for the smooth conduct of the Independence Day events.

Singh said 35 platoons of security personnel would be deployed in Bhubaneswar while closed-circuit television have been installed at sensitive places to keep a strict vigil on any suspected person.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is scheduled to hoist the Tricolour at the Mahatma Gandhi Marg here on Monday.

Security arrangements have also been stepped up in the Maoist-prone districts, the DGPC said.

Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said border areas have been sealed to check the Maoist menace while adequate security has been deployed at strategic locations to prevent any untoward incidents.

The Maoists have called to boycott the Independence Day in the state.