Mumbai police asks MHA to declare 'no flying zone' at Wankhede

With intelligence inputs suggesting that terror outfits may disrupt cricket world cup matches, Mumbai police have requested the Centre to declare "a no-flying zone" over Wankhede stadium, which will host the final this week.

"Two days ago we have written to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to ensure no flying zone at Wankhede on April 2 when the final would be played. The MHA will correspond with the agency concerned in this regard and then tell us whether it would be a no-flying zone or not," Deputy Police Commissioner (Operations) Rajkumar Vhatkar said.

Another IPS officer said, though the previous two matches at the stadium - New Zealand against Canada (March 13) and against Sri Lanka (March 18) - went off without a hitch, they were more worried about the final match following inputs about possible terror strikes.

Police are also worried that a "chemical bomb" could be used to strike by the terror suspects because of which water bottles from outside the stadium would not be allowed, the officer said.

Vhatkar said, "Water bottles from outside will not be allowed due to security reasons and drinking water arrangements have been made inside the stadium for the spectators."

Over 180 CCTVs have been installed by the stadium authorities inside and outside the ground and a special police control room has been set up to keep a watch on the spectators, he added.

Meanwhile, a security drill was today conducted at the stadium, police said adding over 1,500 policemen participated in it.