Security tightened in AP temples

Hyderabad, Mar 8: Security has been beefed up at all the renowned temples in Andhra Pradesh, including all temples in Krishna and Guntur districts, following the powerful bomb blast which rocked the famous Sankatmochan temple in the holy city of Varanasi.

Security in and around the world famous Venkateswaraswamy temple in Tirumala has been stepped up. In addition to the armed security forces, quick action teams have been deployed as a precautionary measure, a Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chief Vigilance and Security official, told UNI.

Two head constables and eight constables from the Special Protection Force (SPF) had been deployed at the famous Kanaka Durga temple, Temple Executive officer E Gopal Krishna Reddy told UNI.

Police said constant vigil would be maintained at Amaravathi and other temples in Guntur district, including the famous Sr Varaha Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy temple atop Simhachalam hills on the outskirts of the Vijaywada city.

Deputy Commissioner of Police V Ravinder told UNI in Vishakhapatnam that all the police stations had been alerted following the Varanasi temple blast and special patrolling teams had been sent out to various places in the city including temples and mosques.

Security had also been beefed up in city bus station and railway station, which is an important point on the East Coast Railway.

He called upon the people to immediately inform police when they come across any incriminating material or suspect objects anywhere near temples, mosques and public places.

UNI