UP DGP admits threat to Maya's life

Varanasi, Feb 17 (UNI) DGP Uttar Pradesh Vikram Singh, dropped a bombshell here today by admitting there was a grave security threat to Chief Minister Mayawati's life.

Interacting with mediapersons at the Ravi Das Park, Singh said ''yes there is a clear cut threat to Mayawatiji's life, which is why the state police has been put on the highest possible alert.'' He, however, stopped short of telling about whether the threat was from terrorists or mafias against whom the UP CM had launched a massive operation.

The DGP was in the temple city to review security arrangements for UP CM's February 21 Varanasi visit.

Singh visited the Ravi Das Park and Ravi Das Temple where the UP CM will pay visit on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti.

He also scanned security preparedness at the Varanasi Cantonment railway station hit by twin blast on March 7, 2006 and later offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath, Sankatmochan and Mata Annapurna temples.

Singh, accompanied by ADG (Intelligence), DM Varanasi Veena Kumari Meena and SSP S B Shirodkar, was unhappy after coming to know that only one police personnel was posted at the Ravidas Temple. He immediatly ordered that more police force led by a Deputy Police Superintendent be depolyed in and around the spot.

Mayawati is slated to gift a golden 'palaki' to the temple at Sir Govardhan village edging Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to symbolise mythological tale of Bhakti movement saint travelling the temple city in a 'palaki.' The idol of the saint will be installed in the golden 'palaki' carved by artisans in Jalandhar.

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