Security beefed up in South TN

Madurai, July 26 (UNI) Even as the bomb threat to vital installations in this district, including the famed Meenakshi Amman Temple, turned out to be a hoax, tight security arrangements have been stepped up in the city and elsewhere in southern Tamil Nadu.

The general alert sounded throughout the southern districts earlier continued to be in force with additional surveillance on the possible movement of extremist and fundamentalist elements, South Zone IG Sanjeev Kumar told UNI.

Constant vigil is being maintained in all the districts in the south, he added.

An additional 750 police personnel, including Armed Reseve Police, have been deployed on security duty in the district alone.

Following the bomb threat from suspected PDP supporters yesterday, thorough searches were conducted at important locations, including the Meenakshi Temple, the city airport, High Court Bench complex and the Railway junction.

Searches by Anti-sabotage teams and Bomb Detection Squads continued today also as the police were not prepared to leave anything to chance, N Arivuselvam, Deputy Commissioner (L&O), said.

In view of the threat perception, security measures have been strengthened at all important places, he added.

Pilgrims entering the Meenakshi Temple and commuters at the Railway station were being thoroughly frisked. Besides vehicle checking at select roads and junctions, additional policemen have been posted for security at all the bus stands and at the 14 check posts in the city.

Important statues have been provided with police protection.

According to Superintendent of Police T S Anbu a meeting was held at the airport to coordinate and ensure foolproof arrangements.

Preventive patrolling had also been stepped up, he added.

The High Court Bench complex in suburban Uthangudi and the airport at Avaniapuram have been placed under a security blanket.

Along with the CISF, the District police was providing additional security cover, he added.

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