Cops beef up security for Advani's rath Yatra

Puneu00a0police conduct mock drills to ensure BJP leader's safety; yatra route to be checked by special squad and sniffer dogs three hours before processionSenioru00a0BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani's much hyped Jan Chetna Yatra will receive round-the-clock security in the city to avoid any kind of unforeseen event, informed Deputy Commissioner of Police (special branch), Makarand Ranade. 83-year-old Advani, who has the top most Z-plus category security, will be provided with additional security by the police from the Special Protection Unit, during his over night stay in the city. Advani's Jan Chetna Yatra will be arriving in the city on Thursday. This will be the journey's second phase in Maharashtra, which will also cover Mumbai.u00a0 Equipped: L K Advani will be provided additional security by the police from the Special Protection Unit during his over night stay in the city File pic Security firstTalking exclusively to MiD DAY, Ranade said, Taking into consideration the high risk security status of the leader, we will deploy adequate polices along the route of the Yatra. Apart from his Black Cat commandos, city police will also be deployed in his service. Ranade further added the route of Yatra will be thoroughly checked by a special squad and sniffer dogs three hours prior to the passing of Advani's chariot. Reportedly, security has been beefed up taking into account the unexpected event that took place at Alampatti near Thirumangalam in Madurai, where a crude bomb has found concealed by grass and a saree under a culvert through which Advani was supposed to pass. Public rallyThe police have been conducting mock security drills along the route of the yatra, since the past fifteen. Advani's chariot will enter in the city through Katraj and will reach Tilak Road, where he will hold a public rally in New English School. Taking safety precautions, Ranade said, We have not allowed any kind of procession by party workers in front of his chariot. Similarly, we have also advised the organiser of the Yatra not to halt in between the journey to receive welcome of the citizens.No inconvenienceRanade however confirmed that citizens would not face any inconvenience during Advani's stay in the city. He said, We will only stop the traffic in the chowks, for a while, when his chariot will pass from Katraj to Tilak Road. Meanwhile, BJP city president Vikas Mathkari under whose tutelage the chariot has been made in the city, said, We will co-operate with the city cops for making Advani's Yatra safe and successful.On November 4, Advani will address the press and the chariot will proceed to Pimpri, where he will address a public rally at Bhim Shakti chowk in Nigadi.Itinerary BJP leader L K Advani's chariot is scheduled to enter the city at 6.30 pm on Thursday, through Katraj, and will pass through Pune-Satara Road, Sarasbaug and then reach New English School at Tilak Road. After holding a rally, Advani will stay in the city and then proceed to Mumbai through Pimpri