Cops admit to security breach at Gyanwapi complex

Varanasi, Aug 11 (UNI) In a major breach of security at the highly sensitive Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanwapi complex here, photographs of the famous temple's sanctum sanctorum have been taken, in violation of a long-standing order prohibiting such acts.

Admitting that photographs in the 'Garb Griha' of Kashi Vishwanath temple were taken way back in Novemebr 2005, Additional Police Superintendent (Gyanwapi Security) Jugal Kishore Tiwari told UNI here this evening that ''it is a matter of major security breach and hence a cause of concern.'' He further said that 12 people, including the owner of the photo studio where the pictures were developed have been picked up for questioning. The police had started detaining people since yesterday and continued till today.

''Questioning has made it clear that the photographs were merely taken for commercial purposes and sale in the open market,'' Mr Tiwari added.

The ASP said the matter came to light recently when the photographs being sold openly were spotted by the police.

All the photographs have since been seized.

Photography has been prohibited within the complex since 1994.

Mr Tiwari also conceded that photography in the temple could not have happened without the collusion of temple and security staff and added that further investigations into the episode will soon lead to the identrification of those responsible.

A three-tier security cover comprising of police, PAC and CRP is in place on the highly sensitive complex. Besides, PAC commandos, bomb disposal and sniffer dog squads are also deployed alongwith hi-tech security equipment to provide extensive security in the complex.

UNI ARS NAB VD ND1926