Metal detectors, more police presence at Sankat Mochan shrine

Varanasi, Mar 13 (UNI) Installation of four metal detectors and increased police and CRP presence since yesterday has tightened security at the hallowed 16th century Sankat Mochan temple.

CCTVs, X-ray machines for better security monitoring and fool proof security checks were also on the cards, police said.

Besides, place was also being scouted for establishing a cloak room, where the devotees will have to deposit their belongings, including communication devices, much on the lines of security provisions at the sensitive Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanwapi complex in the holy city.

Strength of the Sankat Mochan police outpost has also been doubled from 15 to 30 and para-military and police personnel will be on high alert on every Tuesday and Saturday -- when the temple witnesses huge influx of devotees.

The intelligence network in the area will also be streamlined.

District Magistrate Nitin Ramesh Gokarna and Mahant of the 16th century Hanuman temple Prof Virbhadra Mishra today discussed the security at the revered shrine.

Prof Mishra told reporters that the temple trust has decided to join hands with the district administration in providing elaborate security in the shrine premises.

''The temple security will comprise of metal detectors, CCTVs, X-Ray machines and fully secured cloak room, besides adequate presence of police personnel,'' Prof Mishra said.

The temple administration will look after the security inside the sprawling shrine premises in coordination with police personnel, including lady police constables, while the road leading to the place of worship will totally be under the control of police personnel.

As many as 17 people were killed and over 100 injured in the twin blasts on Tuesday last week at the Sankat Mochan temple and the Varanasi railway station.

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