Protests prompt tighter security for India-Bangladesh second Test in Kanpur
Elaborate security arrangements have been made ahead of the India-Bangladesh second Test, set to take place at the International Green Park Stadium in Kanpur from 27 September.
The measures come in light of recent unrest, as 20 members of the Akhilesh Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha were booked on Monday for obstructing the road in front of the stadium to hold a ‘havan’, protesting against what they described as atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, according to Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Harish Chander.
An FIR has been registered against the protesters, including Rakesh Mishra, Vikas Gupta, Prashant Dheer, and others, for various offences such as unlawful assembly and rioting. As a result, police are implementing a “fool-proof” security plan to ensure the safety of both the Indian and Bangladeshi cricket teams, who are expected to arrive in Kanpur by Tuesday evening.
Chander added that authorities have sought an extensive police presence, including senior officials, to manage the match. “We are confident we will have an adequate police force in place to meet the demands of this high-profile event,” he said, noting that central and state agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and state intelligence, have been involved to provide any necessary threat assessments.
The security framework involves dividing the Green Park stadium and the team hotel, Landmark, into sectors, zones, and sub-zones, with supervision assigned to DCP, additional DCP, and ACP rank officers. DCP (East) Shrawan Kumar Singh has been appointed the nodal officer for the entire operation. Additionally, traffic diversions around the stadium have been implemented to facilitate a smooth flow of security and to avoid any disruptions on match days.
Police have taken these precautionary steps to ensure there are no disturbances during the second Test, as the protestors’ actions have raised concerns about public order. The authorities are coordinating with multiple agencies to stay prepared for any untoward incidents.
