PANAJI
Leaving no room for compromise, the State agencies have enhanced security measures as well as meticulous screening of the culinary offerings for VIP invitees including movie stars and IFFI officials, during the upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
As an integral part of the comprehensive security protocol, officials from the Food & Drugs department will be deploying a dedicated team to taste-test all food before it is served to the national and international VIPs, protected persons, dignitaries, delegates, and film personalities participating in the festival.
The specially appointed teams will also be in action on both the opening day, November 20, and the closing day, November 28, at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Bambolim. These teams will also be deployed during the screenings at the ESG Complex in Panaji on all event days.
“They will scrutinize the snacks, meals, and refreshments intended for the esteemed VIP invitees to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety,” an official revealed to The Goan wishing anonymity.
Whereas, police personnel deployed for food testing at the venues concerned will be responsible for liaising with the Officer of Food and Drugs Administration, deployed for testing the foodstuff, snacks and drinks that will be served to the invitees. “The cops will ensure the testing procedures are well guarded against any mischief till these are served,” the official said.
On the security front, although there is no specific intelligence report, Goa Police have put in place strict measures considering that the coastal State records huge footfalls during the tourist season which coincides with IFFI.
“…There may be the possibility of undesirable elements sneaking into Goa in the guise of tourists. The Film Festival is an occasion for huge gatherings at various venues, any of which can be selected for possible shoot out or infiltration of suicide bombers. In some cases terrorists have managed to enter the venue, wearing police uniforms. In some cases they have planted explosives even before the rostrum was constructed,” reads the report shared to various police units ahead of the festival.
The department apprehends that there is every possibility some anti-social elements might also hold demonstrations during the Opening and/or Closing ceremony to raise their protest. As such, screening of every individual entering the venues will be checked for black flags or any objectionable materials being carried by them.
