Bhubaneswar: A day after a high-intensity car blast killed at least eight people in Delhi, the Odisha government on Tuesday said there is no immediate threat to the state and people are safe.
However, security measures have been substantially strengthened across the state as a precautionary step, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan told reporters on Tuesday.
Though there is no direct threat to Odisha, the police and administration are in a state of high alert to ensure the safety of citizens and public places, including Shree Jagannath temple in Puri, he said.
Following the deadly blast in Delhi, a high-level review meeting, chaired by Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania, was held late Monday to assess the ground situation and plan security arrangements across the state.
Stating that security has been enhanced at all railway stations, airports, tourist attractions, and monuments, Harichandan said district administrations have been instructed to intensify checks.
“We are prepared to deal with any eventuality. All necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety and security of the citizens,” the Minister said.
It may be noted that the car explosion occurred at around 6.52 pm near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort. A car reportedly stopped at a red light, suddenly exploded, completely destroying the vehicle and causing fires in nearby cars. At least eight people were killed, and more than two dozen were injured. Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed that the vehicle had occupants at the time of the blast.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah identified the car involved, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that strict action would be taken against the perpetrators.