A stray dog rests at Gandhi Maidan. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey
In the run-up to Republic Day, police suspect that terrorists may use cattle or dogs as explosive carriers to strike the January 26 parade and function at Gandhi Maidan.
Expressing the possibility, the police have written a letter to Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), requesting them to take immediate steps to thwart any such incident.
Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Jitender Rana said on Tuesday there was a chance of animals strapped with explosives being sent to Gandhi Maidan on Republic Day.
'The state capital is on high alert. All the Maidan gates have been closed for public till January 26. Security measures are in place at the venue but animals around the Maidan is a cause of worry. We want to ensure foolproof security and cannot afford to take any chance. We have requested the PMC to remove all stray animals from the vicinity of Gandhi Maidan,' said the SSP.
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) sent an intelligence input to the Patna police on Monday, informing them of possible terror strikes on Republic Day.
The Taliban used animals as explosive carriers. In 2013, a donkey, strapped with explosives, blew up in front of a police security post in Kabul killing a policeman.
'Anti-sabotage teams and CCTV cameras are in place. Around 1,000 policemen would be deployed,' said the SSP.
PMC additional municipal commissioner (sanitation and planning) Shrisat Kapil Ashok said: 'I know about the letter from the police. The executive officer of the New Capital circle is looking into it. Stray animals would be removed from the Maidan.'