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Kolkata, Nov 11 (IANS) Security has been tightened at the Eden Gardens Stadium and across Kolkata ahead of the first Test match between India and South Africa following Monday’s deadly car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma confirmed the high alert situation and said that special and additional measures are currently in place. A Kolkata Police official said, “We are on high alert. Special and additional security arrangements are being made in view of the blast in Delhi.” He said that Special Task Force (STF) will also be deployed along with the police. The first test of the series is going to start from Friday. Police sources at the city police headquarters, Lalbazar, revealed plans to impose a comprehensive three-tier security zone at the Eden Gardens covering the outer perimeter, entrance gates and spectator seating areas. Officials will closely monitor the activities of all spectators. Sources said Kolkata Police has stepped up security across the city, especially in and around the cricket stadium, which falls in the high security zone due to its proximity to the West Bengal Assembly, Raj Bhavan, Calcutta High Court and All India Radio. Amidst these circumstances, Kolkata Police has started reviewing the security measures in Eden Garden and surrounding areas. A meeting has been scheduled between Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) officials and Police Commissioner Manoj Verma on Tuesday to finalize the preparations for the upcoming match. Spectators will also come into the security zone at the venue. Every person is expected to be checked through a metal scanner at least twice. Policemen in plain clothes will be deployed inside and outside the stadium and crowd activities will be closely monitored. Entry with suspicious items or bags will be strictly prohibited. Additionally, security has been tightened at hotels in the city hosting the Indian and South African cricket teams. Sources indicated that Indian cricket team coach Gautam Gambhir’s proposed visit to the Kalighat temple on Tuesday may be postponed in view of the increasing fear of danger. At least eight people were killed and more than twenty injured in a car blast near the Red Fort on Monday evening. The blast took place around 6.52 pm in a Hyundai i20 near the Red Fort metro station, leaving bodies and damaged vehicles scattered in the busy area. High alert has been issued in Delhi and police have invoked sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) after forensic evidence and intelligence inputs revealed possible terror links. –IANS SH/SNJ/SKP