Mumbai blasts: Alert across nation

New Delhi: Security was stepped up across the country in the wake of the serial bomb blasts in Mumbai on Tuesday evening, prompting the police of all states to deploy additional forces at all sensitive places.

In the national capital, the Delhi Police sounded a 'high alert' and tightened security at all strategic points including markets, crowded places, city borders and VIP areas.

Police Commissioner K K Paul has announced a state of 'high alert' in the Capital and security at religious places, crowded markets, railway stations and specially at metro stations has been beefed up.

A red alert was also sounded in Uttar Pradesh. Official sources said security has been beefed up at all sensitive and public places, including railway stations and bus terminals.

The Madhya Pradesh Police also sounded a high alert and Superintendents of Police (SPs) in all districts were told to remain alert in view of the blasts. Police in districts adjoining Maharashtra were asked to be extra vigilant.

In Jammu and Kashmir, where six grenade attacks also occurred on Tuesday, a red alert was sounded following seven explosions in India's commercial capital.

Official sources said field commanders of all security agencies were directed to be extra alert in view of emerging situation. Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in strength at all sensitive places in the state.

Tight security measures were put in place at the Jammu railway station, Mata Vaishno Devi shrine at Katra, Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, both Pahalgam and Batal routes leading to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, Nunwan and Baltal base camps for pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu State Police also sounded a red alert across the state in the wake of serial blasts. The administration sent urgent messages to all police chiefs in districts and cities to provide additional security measures in the crowded places like bus terminals and railway stations.

Police sources said security measures were beefed up further at all places of worship, especially at important temples throughout the state. Security was tightened across Kerala also and additional police forces were deployed at important places like railway stations, bus stands, airports and other sensitive places as part of keeping special vigil.