Security stepped up in Varanasi

Varanasi, Aug 12 (UNI) Security in this holy city -- rocked by twin blasts on March 7 -- has been stepped up following a nationwide security alert in wake of the US raising an alarm of prospective terror strike in India.

''Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place, especially in sensitive places including religious hotspots, government buildings and crowded public places,'' DM Rajiv Agrawal told newspersons here today.

Ahead of the Independence Day, surprise checks were also being conducted at all hotels and guest houses, particularly, those located in sensitive localities.

Bomb disposal squads and sniffer dog teams were also on toes to deal with any eventuality, while the intelligence network has been put on maximum alert, the DM added.

Security at railway station and the airport has also been put to maximum and police was working in tandem with agencies responsible for security of the two key public facilities, Mr Agarwal said.

At least 18 people were killed and over 100 others injured in the twin blasts that rocked the Sankatmochan temple and Varanasi Cantonment Railway Station within a span of 15 minutes on March 7.

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