Notwithstanding the brave face put up by some industrialists here, there is apprehension that investment prospects in Hyderabad would certainly dampen after the bomb blasts last Saturday. The blasts, the second in three months, and the disturbing news that more such incidents are expected, would impact foreign investment inflow, say analysts. This may also affect the expansion plans of existing companies.
Industry department officials, reluctant to be quoted, said most of the prospective investors, including MNCs, who have plans to invest in the state, have started enquiring about security issues. In this situation, investments may be delayed, if not ceased, they fear.
However, official sources say they do not foresee any major investment loss. But it is for the police to demonstrate their capabilities in controlling the terrorist activities as well as the naxalite movement, they add.
The Hyderabad police’s earlier reputation regarding providing high-end security to various national and international events appears to have taken a hit. This time, even after six days, the police seems clueless about the perpetrators of the blasts that killed 43 and injured over 50 people in Hyderabad. Interestingly, as per informed sources, the state police was alerted by central intelligence agencies about the possibility blasts in the third week of August. But the state police argue (not on record) that they had promptly alerted the industry and beefed up security at malls and business establishments in the city. They agreed that they missed out small food joints.
Sources said the police had abridged information about some of the people (terrorists) who might have sneaked into the IT and ITeS companies in the city. The police have now asked the companies to provide employee data, sources added.
Meanwhile, the IT industry has initiated revision of its security systems and alerts including banning of mobile phones inside the company premises, banning entry of compact discs, pen drives etc., inside the company, making photographs of visitors mandatory by using biometrics. ID cards are being made compulsory, irrespective of the designation, private vehicles will be banned inside the campus, in addition to installation of CCTVs in all the buildings.
The government, too, has announced formation of a special outfit to tackle the terrorist menace. ??It will be on the lines of the greyhound commandos raised for countering Maoist threats in the state?? said chief minister Rajasekhara Reddy, after reviewing the law and order situation. Reddy also plans to overhaul the city police and intelligence hierarchy.
According to the Cyberabad police commissioner, a special protection zone will be created around IT companies in Hitec City with a separate control room and ‘strike and investigating teams? in the next one month.