A high alert has been sounded in the city. Security at Pune railway station, bus terminals and vital installations was beefed up after an alert had been reportedly sent to police units all over the state around Sunday midnight.

The message reportedly alerted the police units all over the state to take security to the highest level.

In Pune, police deployment was beefed up at government offices and also the police commissioner’s office. Armed policemen could be seen at the station. Police officers in plainclothes and uniform were deployed at all entry points.

Suspicious persons and vehicles were being checked all over the city. Security at the IT hub of Hinjewadi has also been tightened.

Outside malls, the police prsence was heavier than usual. Leaves of all personnel till January 21 has been reportedly cancelled.

A police source said the heavy security was a “routine combing operation”.

Another police source, however, quoted the message as saying: “This message is very important and of a serious nature. All police staff receiving it should immediately pass it on to police inspectors on night duty. The Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad has been briefed by the Naval Front Intelligence Bureau about the nature of the threat and is coordinating with other agencies.”

Joint Commissioner of Police Rajendra Sonawane refused to comment either way. Asked about the reported terror threat to the city, he said. “I have nothing to say.”

The effects of the security upgrade was felt even at Baba Ramdev’s yoga camp, organised by the Pune police at their headquarters in Shivajinagar. People attending the camp expressed surprise that only 200 policemen and their families attended the camp.

Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh was vague about it. “Due to some reason, most of the police officers could not come here.” He did not specify any reason.