Security beefed up at Eden Gardens ahead of India vs South Africa Test after Delhi blast

Eden Gardens (Source: BCCI)

The Kolkata Police has intensified security measures ahead of the first Test between India and South Africa, scheduled to begin at Eden Gardens on November 14, following a high-intensity blast near Delhi’s Red Fort. Both teams, who have already arrived in the city, will remain under enhanced protection throughout their stay.

The explosion on Monday evening claimed eight lives and left 24 others injured. Authorities confirmed that only two of the eight bodies recovered from the blast site have been identified so far, while six remain unidentified. Although the cause of the blast is still under investigation, it coincided with the dismantling of an interstate terror module by police personnel from Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said the explosion occurred at around 6:52 pm when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a traffic signal near the Red Fort. Officials confirmed that the explosive chemicals recovered were intended to spread terror across the city.

"An explosion happened in that vehicle, and due to the explosion, nearby vehicles were also damaged," Golcha said as quoted by India Today.

In response to the Delhi incident, Kolkata Police have implemented a comprehensive security plan for both the Indian and South African squads, covering their travel to and from the stadium, practice sessions, and match days. Special NAKA checks and intensified surveillance have been introduced around Eden Gardens, with officers stationed at all major entry and exit points.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma is expected to visit Eden Gardens on Tuesday to review the arrangements in person. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has been working closely with the police to ensure robust safety protocols for players, officials, and spectators.

Security at the team hotels has also been strengthened. A joint meeting between CAB officials and senior police officers was held to finalise operational details and discuss additional precautionary measures in light of the Delhi blast. Both India and South Africa are scheduled to begin training at Eden Gardens from Tuesday morning, under strict security measures to ensure the safety of all personnel amid the heightened alert.