Intelligence official 'dissatsifed' with security at Tirumala

Tirupati, Mar 17 (UNI) State Intelligence (Security) Superintendent of Police Chandrashekar Reddy today expressed displeasure over security arrangments at Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala and Srikalahasteswariswamy Temple in Srikalahasti which figure in hit list of various militant outfits.

Highly placed TTD sources said a high-level team led by Mr Reddy visited the temples in the aftermath of the recent serial bomb blasts at Varanasi to inspect the security arrangements.

The team suggested deployment of mobile striking force in and around the Tirumla Temple complex besides providing high tech training to security personnel and increasing the strength of the commando force.

Mr Reddy asked the TTD Board to improve security measures by installing equipment like metal and explosive detectors and deploying bomb disposal squads. Security from Srinivasamangapuram to Tirumala footpath was almost negligible, he said.

At Srikalahasti, the sources said, Mr Reddy expressed strong displeasure over security arrangements in the temple despite an alert being sounded after the Varanasi blasts.

Mr Reddy strongly suggested the temple trust board to install wooden frames and metal detectors at four entrances of the Srikalahasteswariswamy Temple and closed circuit cameras besides increasing the number of security personnel.

Even the Padmavathiammavari Temple at Tiruchanoor, about three kms from here, did not meet the requisite standards in terms of security, Mr Reddy added.

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