Security beefed up ahead of second ODI in Gwalior

GWALIOR - Ahead of the second ODI match between India and South Africa on February 24, security has been strengthened in Gwalior in the wake of recent terror threats.

Around 3500 policemen will be deployed during the match at Captain Roop Singh Stadium to ensure maximum security for the players and the spectators.

“The barricading, parking facilities, arrangement for movement of player vehicles, entry facilities, tickets and other things have been closely inspected. We are employing bar coding for the first time in the stadium. Different committees have been formulated to look into the various departments,” said Aakash Tripathi, Collector, Gwalior district.

Thirty bar-coding scanners will be used during the match, with a scanner placed at every gate to check the authenticity of the match tickets.

“We want the match to conclude safely and peacefully and thus adequate number of security personnel will be deployed during the match. The spectators who come for the match can only carry paper and a water bottle,” said Manohar Singh Verma, Additional Superintendent of Police, Gwalior.

“They will not be allowed to take anything else inside the stadium especially mobile phones. Phones are not allowed inside. This is important from the perspective of the security,” he added.

Thorough security checks are being carried out at the Gwalior railway station to ensure fool-proof safety.

The first ODI is being played in Jaipur on Sunday while the third and final match will be played in Ahmedabad on February 27.

The test series between the two teams ended in a 1-1 draw. (ANI)