Post 25/8 Tirumala to come under security blanket
Tirupati, Sep 1 (UNI) With the August 25 twin bomb blasts in Hyderabad still fresh in memory, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthnams (TTD) has decided to step up security in the sacred hill shrine in view of the nine-day annual Brahmotsavams of Lord Sri Venkateswara, scheduled to commence in Tirumala on September 15.
This was decided at a high-level meeting between TTD Chairman B Karunakara Reddy, district police and APSRTC officials and heads of various TTD Departments, Devasthanam sources said here today.
With the hill shrine figuring high on the terror list, the TTD is leaving no stone unturned to foil terror attacks. Closed-circuit cameras would be installed at all vital points in the entire town for surveillance of pilgrims and vehicle checks intensified at Alipiri Check Point during the festival.
Intelligence reports had suggested the Tirumala temple as a possible target of terror strikes considering the huge gathering of people there during festivals.
Metal detectors and other security gadgets would be installed at the main temples in Tirupati and Tirumala and policing strengthened in the four mada streets for daily processions, sources added.
All 'Arjitha' sevas would remain cancelled during the Bhramotsavams.
UNI