LUCKNOW, Nov. 11 -- Security was tightened in Lucknow and other parts of the state, including Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Lakhimpur Kheri, on Monday evening after reports of a car blast near Delhi's Red Fort. Acting on directions from commissioner of police Amrendra K Sengar, Lucknow Police placed all five zones on alert and mobilised forces from all 54 police stations. Heavy deployment was seen at major markets and public places, including Hazratganj, Aminabad, Chowk, prominent malls, and metro stations. In Hazratganj, additional DCP (Central) Jitendra Dubey, ACP Vikas Jaiswal, and station in-charge Vikram Singh led vehicle checking and patrolling operations till late in the evening. "Right after the DGP's order, security has been tightened at all sensitive spots. Our teams are keeping a close watch on any suspicious movement," said commissioner Sengar, adding that night patrolling had been intensified and the city would remain under round-the-clock vigilance. Sniffer dogs and bomb disposal squads were deployed across several metro stations, including Amausi, Charbagh, Badshah Nagar, and Vishwavidyalaya, where passenger belongings and parking areas were thoroughly checked. Police urged citizens not to circulate unverified information on social media and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or on the helpline number 112. Officials said the alert was a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and calm. Three-tier security tightened in Ayodhya In Ayodhya, security was also stepped up and a high alert was declared soon after the Delhi incident. The three-tier security cordon, dividing the city into Red, Yellow, and Green zones, was further strengthened, with strict checking at all entry points. Inspector general (IG) Ayodhya Range Praveen Kumar reviewed security at the Ram temple, Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, Ram Janmabhoomi area, and Tedhi Bazaar entry point. He inspected barriers, checked vehicles, questioned drivers, and directed officers to enhance vigilance while maintaining smooth movement for devotees. All vehicles entering and leaving the city were screened before being allowed passage, and continuous CCTV monitoring was carried out. Senior officers said the enhanced alertness would continue overnight with additional forces kept on standby to ensure peace and security in both cities. Security was beefed up across Varanasi, with assistant commissioner of police, Kotwali, Atul Anjan Tripathi, leading intensive checking at Kashi Station, Prahalad Ghat, Vishweshwarganj, the road to Baba Kaal Bhairav, and Maidagin locality. Meanwhile, Kheri superintendent of police (SP) Sankalp Sharma, along with police personnel, carried out a surprise checking drive at Lakhimpur railway station, the bus station, and other sensitive public places in the city. At the railway station, SP Sharma spoke to several people and conducted inquiries....