Puri: Abandoned buildings in the Pilgrim City here may emerge as a major security threat if immediate steps are not taken either to demolish the old structures or to tighten police patrolling near them.
According to sources, a few of the 50 old and deserted buildings in the city have become safe havens for anti-socials. It is learnt that blueprints for robbery, gang war and other crimes are being hatched in these uninhabited structures.
Srimandir, the abode of Lord Jagannath, and the Holy City, a major tourist destination, have been under threat from radical elements for the last several years. It was learnt that two terrorists of Indian Mujahideen (IM) had visited the city and spent a few days in a hotel in 2013.
The National Security Guard (NSG) has identified Srimandir as a sensitive spot and conducted a survey to take stock of security arrangements at the 12th century shrine. The police have asked hotels and lodging houses to install CCTV cameras on their premises and seek identity proofs before providing hospitality to tourists and visitors. Apart from that, police and coastguards have introduced several measures to enhance security at the coast and keep tabs on suspicious elements. However, the security establishment is yet to identify abandoned buildings as a security threat to the city.
Social activists are of the view that these abandoned buildings can be hiding places for terrorists and elusive criminals. “Several buildings in the city, including Nilachal Ashoka hotel, a three-storey lodging house near Panthaniwas and hotel Merina Beach, have been lying unused over some legal issues. Some anti-socials are often spotted near these abandoned structures,” said a social activist.
Locals have also seen miscreants frequenting a half-built building near hotel Chariot on the beach here.
When contacted, superintendent of police Sarthak Sarangi admitted that they are yet to think about the abandoned buildings in the Holy City. “We will discuss the issue with the district administration and take steps to tighten police patrolling near the abandoned structures,” Sarangi added.
PNN
