Security tightened in TN following blast in Varanasi

Chennai, Mar 8: Police have tightened the security measures in all temples in Tamil Nadu in the wake of a powerful blast at Sankatmochan temple in Varanasi last evening (Mar 7, 2006).

Police sources told sources that police pickets were posted in all the major temples in the State, including the Parthasarathy Swamy temple, Kapaleeswarar temple in the city, Lord Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam.

Police officials were also maintaining a constant vigil on movement of any suspicious persons.

Security had also been tightened in all public places, Railway stations and bus depots. Passengers were allowed entry into the railway stations after through frisking and screening of their baggages.

Night patrolling had been intensified and vehicles entering in and out of the city and in state borders were being checked thoroughly.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) sources told sources that escorts have been provided in all the trains in the southern railway.

RPF IG G M P Reddy had instructed the officials to keep a constant watch on movement of suspicious persons in Railway Stations.

A large number of RPF personnel, were also posted in all the stations and in moving trains.

The tightening of security measures followed a high alert sounded by the Centre after the serial blasts in Varanasi.

A report from Tiruchirapalli said, security measures had been tightened in the temple town, following a general alert issued by the Centre.

Police said security had been intensified at temples, vulnerable points and railway station of the town.

Devotees were thoroughly screened at Ranganatha Swamy temple at Srirangam, Uchchi Pillaiyar temple atop Rockfort, Jambukeswarar-Akhilandeswari temple at Tiruvanaikovil and the world's highest temple tower at Srirangam.

Entry points into the city were constantly monitored, besides intensifying the vehicle checks and night-patrolling to ensure round the clock security, police added.

UNI

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