Security beefed up in Goa, says minister

Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar on Wednesday said security across popular tourism hubs in the coastal state has been stepped up to ensure the safety of all, including tourists.

"I have heard about the terror alert about terrorists. But Goa is always a safe place... For the security of tourists, we have Goa Police, India Reserve Battalion and our own guards. All tourism spots, whether beaches, temples and churches, are guarded. The airport and railway stations too are under watch," Parulekar said.

Media reports on Wednesday said three armed terrorists, possibly carrying a suicide belt, had entered India from Pakistan through the Punjab border and were headed for either Delhi, Mumbai or Goa in a car.

Reacting to the report, Inspector General of Police Sunil Garg said the special branch, anti-terrorism squad and district police in Goa did not find the car in the state.

"We received a message about a car, which was circulated across India, including Maharashtra and Goa... We searched for the car all over Goa, but did not find it," Garg told reporters on the sidelines of the Goa food and culture festival here.