Strict security for Cuttack ODI

Tight security arrangement was worked out for India`s fifth cricket ODI against England, scheduled to be held at Barabati Stadium Cuttack on November 26. This was decided at a meeting convened by Twin-City Police Commissioner Bijay Kumar Sharma in Bhubaneswar today. Host Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) officials, icluding its president Ranjib Biswal and secretary Asirbad Behera appraised the Commissioner about the steps taken so far by the association for smooth conduct of the day-night match. Matters related to accommodation and movement of both the teams, sitting facility for spectators and VIPs, sale of tickets, insurance coverage and gate controlling came up for discussion in the meeting. According to the OCA secretary, the association will engage 300 Group-4 arm security to help the commissionerate police controll the entry points to the stadium. Close circuit cameras will be fixed to detect trouble-makers and monitor the gates. There will be a three-tire system of checking for spectators. Check points will be equipped with metal detectors. According to sources, the Anti Corruption Bureau of the apex cricket body has barred use of mobile phones by organising officials inside OCA office during the progress of the match. Security factor has assumed paramount importance considering following unsavoury Chappell incident on the eve of the India-West Indies ODI at Cuttack in January last year. A political activist slapped the then India`s Australian coach Greg Chappell when he was coming out of the airport in Bhubaneswar. According to OCA secretary, the Police Commissioner expressed his satisfaction about the arrangements made so far and assured cooperation for the peaceful staging of the match.