Bangalore: Security arrangements have been stepped up in the capital Bangalore in the wake of Ramzan on August 20 and in the wake of the mass exodus of north eastern students from the capital after receiving threatening SMSes.

Over 17000 police personnel including CRPF and RAF and KSRP jawans will be on security duty, informed Jyothi Prakash Mirji, City Police Commissioner. The services of around 600 home guards are also being utilized, he said adding security will particularly be high near strategic locations like railway stations, bus stands and huge commercial complexes.

The police have already arrested 16 persons for  spreading false rumours. Meanwhile home minister R Ashok will himself patrol the city day and night  for two days.