Aziz Plaza shops told to fit CCTV cameras

Hyderabad: The police has identified ‘Aziz Plaza,’ a shopping complex in Begum Bazaar, as an easy target for terror attacks and anti-social elements. Police said that the material dump in the area can prove to be a threat as terrorists can plant explosives there. Though there are 150 shops here, the complex has only 16 surveillance cameras, of which half are non-functional.

The cops have warned the businesses to take precautions in view of forthcoming festivals like Ramzan as thousands of customers are expected to visit this area. Police also warned shopkeepers that their shops will be seized if they do not obey directions.

The terrorists involved in the Dilsukhnagar twin blasts had revealed that Begum Bazaar was one of the places they had surveyed for carrying out attacks. When cops checked for vulnerable areas they found the Azziz Plaza heading the list.

“In most places inside the shopping complex there are waste dumps. There is every possibility for criminals taking advantage of them. Explosives can be planted there,” said Mr V. Satyana-rayana, the west zone DCP.

As there are many festivals coming up thousands of people are likely to visit the complex. Cops said a meeting has been convened with shop owners, and strict instructions have been given to take security measures.

“We asked them to install surveillance cameras and have made it a must. Notices were issued to shops earlier. When it comes to public safety, we can’t afford to take risks,” said Mr Satyanar-ayana.
The cops have decided to move strictly against violators. The punishment can be either a fine or seizure of the shops.

“During our meet, they came up with various excuses. However, even after repeated warnings if they do not come around, we will impose a fine of around '5,000 to '10,000. If they still continue to ignore directions we will seize the shop and also shut it down,” the DCP said.