Rajkot ODI: Cops wary of Patel threat

AHMEDABAD/RAJKOT: There has been repeated assurance from the police, local administration and even the hosts, the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA), regarding the security for the third India-South Africa ODI in Rajkot and their ability to prevent the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) from using the match to grab the attention of the international audience.
Unprecedented security arrangements have also been made for the October 18 D/N ODI even as police categorically stated that trouble makers are in for big trouble if there is any disruption during the match.In all, 2,100 policemen will be positioned at SCA Stadium in Khandheri on Jamnagar Road, which is double the numbers usually deployed in ODI security.
"Those creating trouble and disrupting the match will be booked for criminal conspiracy. We have records of each and every ticket that has been issued," Gagandeep Gambhir, Rajkot (rural) superintendent of police, told media persons on Thursday.
Gambhir said those ticket-buyers will also be booked under stringent laws if anyone else coming in their place tries to disrupt the match. Policemen in plain clothes will also be seated among the audience to immediately detain mischief mongers.
Two senior crime branch officials, who are experts in gathering intelligence inputs, will be posted in Rajkot on October 17. Also, another top IPS officer is camping in New Delhi to brief the ministry of home affairs (MHA) about movements of Patidars ahead of the match.
SCA secretary Niranjan Shah, who appealed to the PAAS chief Hardik Patel not to create any problem during the match at a press meet in Rajkot few days ago again repeated his plea.
"I still request him (Hardik Patel) not to do any thing which might disturb the beautiful game. Saurashtra very rarely gets an international cricket match so everybody should be proud that Saurashtra is hosting such an event," said Shah and added: "This is not the stage to get noticed."