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MASSIVE SECURITY

Sravanthi Challapalli

Chennai, July 19 Penguin India, the distributor of the Harry Potter books, is being extremely cautious about the launch of the seventh and final volume in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Speaking to Business Line, Mr Thomas Abraham, CEO and President of the publishing firm, declined to reveal details of the security operations and the expense involved as it was liable to be misused. Media reports have it that in the UK and the US, security of £10 million involving an army of guards, satellite tracking systems for the trucks transporting the books, dogs and legal contracts is being put in place.

“We’re not divulging any information right now. But suffice it to say that in terms of logistics and security this is probably the most complex delivery operation ever embarked upon in India. We’re ensuring simultaneous deliveries to over 300 destinations across the country,” says Mr Abraham. Booksellers Business Line spoke to say that they will be given the copies just a few hours prior to launch time, which is 6.30 a.m. on July 21. Processing the books for sale will involve some intense work — employees will be coming into work in the wee hours of the morning or stay back in office the previous night to take delivery, label the books with the price and the barcode, and prepare for the launch parties and arrangements.

As in the rest of the world, India needs the same intensity of measures to be adopted, Mr Abraham said.

However, it comes with its own set of problems such as piracy and destinations that are not easily accessible, he added. Penguin India is taking some strong anti-piracy action.

On the security at the store, a bookseller said there would be no leaks as the books would come escorted by security guards. Demand for the book is growing and has touched 2,36,000 and is likely to top that by Saturday, when the book is launched, Mr Abraham said.

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