Kolkata: The deadly car blast near the historic Red Fort on Monday evening has sent shockwaves across India and reminded everyone about the serious threats posed by terrorists.
The national Capital apart, several cities and iconic locations, including the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, have been put on high alert following the high-intensity explosion which claimed at least 12 lives.
Security has been tightened manifold in and around the Eden Gardens, which will stage the opening Test between Shubman Gill’s India and World champions South Africa from November 14. Both teams have arrived in Kolkata and started training ahead of the five-day Test match.
“We are on high alert. Keeping in mind the blast in Delhi, special and additional security arrangements are being made. The Special Task Force (STF) will be deployed alongside the local police,” IANS quoted a senior police official as saying.
A high-level team, led by the city’s Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, reviewed security arrangements at the ground on Tuesday afternoon along with officials of Cricket Association of Bengal. The organisers have sought extra security, especially for the Indian and South African teams.
“All necessary security arrangements are being made. Our teams visited the stadium last night and today also,” said Verma.
VIDEO | Kolkata: Police Commissioner Manoj Verma reviews security arrangements at Eden Gardens ahead of the Test match following the Delhi car blast.#DelhiBlast #RedFort #DelhiCarBlast
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/j7XmMQqG7o
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 11, 2025
Police have planned a comprehensive three-layered security ring, covering the outer perimeter, entry gates and the galleries, before and during the November 14-19 Test match.
Plainclothes cops are being deployed both inside the stadium and its surrounding areas.
Spectators entering the ground will be checked using handheld scanners and metal detectors, with several items to be strictly prohibited.
Since Monday night, police have been carrying out naka checkings around the Eden Gardens and key government establishments in the city’s business district, such as the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Raj Bhavan, Calcutta High Court and All India Radio.
The hotels where the teams and officials have been put up are also under heightened watch, while Team India coach Gautam Gambhir’s proposed visit to the Kalighat temple has been deferred.
