Security was tightened at the Taj Mahal with heavy police officials leading a security drill on the Yamuna river flowing near the monument, against the backdrop of reports of the 17th century marvel being a possible target of the Islamic State terror group. The internal security in the Taj Mahal is provided by the Central Industrial Security Force. The Uttar Pradesh Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary man the outer posts. Security has been enhanced at the Taj Mahal in the wake of a media report of a threat to the 17th century monument from terror outfit ISIS. A link has been circulated in which it is claimed that Taj Mahal is on the target of ISIS. Security has been beefed up in and around the monument. In the meanwhile, two low-intensity explosions occurred in Agra Cantt railway station’s vicinity on Saturday morning, just hours after Andaman Express crashed into a huge boulder on the tracks near another station 20 km away and police recovered a note at the site threatening of terror attacks.
No one was injured in the two incidents. Police has cordoned off the Agra Cantonment railway station and senior police officials have inspected the area. The UP police have taken over and now forensic investigations are being done to determine the cause. Amidst reports that the Taj Mahal would soon be targetted in a terrorist attack, at least two low-intensity blasts were reported there. One explosion is reported to have taken place in a garbage-dumping tractor in the Agra Cantonment Railway Station area. The second explosion took place at the terrace of a house near the railway station. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far. The police is investigating the matter.
The world heritage monument is visited by over six million tourists annually. Police teams were on alert and a close watch was being kept on crowds. SWOT commandos have been put in charge at vantage points. Mock drills were being conducted every few hours to test the state of preparedness. Outside the 500 metre security ring, police teams are keeping a strict watch on the movement of vehicles both on the western gate parking and the Shilpgram parking towards the eastern gate. The prestigious Gatiman experess start from Agra Cantonment on daily basis except on Fridays.
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