Preperations on for Maya's visit to Varanasi

Varanasi, Feb 19 (UNI) The district administration here is busy finalising the arrangements for the scheduled visit of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati on February 21 on the occasion of 631st birth anniversary of Saint Ravi Das.

The district headquarters has seemingly shifted to seer Govardhan, where the birth anniversary function of the saint is going to take place, sources said today.

Keeping in view the importance of the occasion, the district and police administration had started preparations a week ago. The preparations are still underway.

In view of the CM's visit, a high alert was sounded and intense checking drive launched in the city last night.

Security at Babatpur airport was heightened, while the cops started scanning the Cantonment railway station, roadways bus stand and other public places.

The checking drive covered hotels, dharamshalas, malls, cinema halls, temples and major markets.

Alertness has also been increased at highly sensitive Kashi Vishwanath Gyanvapi complex.

On suspicion, police today took four people into custody from the temple complex. However, after interrogation police found that they were traders and later released them.

Ms Mayawati will hand over a golden 'palaki' to the Ravi Das temple on her visit. The palaki, estimated over Rs 1 crore, has been donated by the foreign disciples of Saint Ravi Das.

The golden palaki which is being brought from Jalandar is scheduled to arrive at the temple by tomorrow evening.

A special train, carrying around 2,500 disciples, had arrived here late last evening.

Special arrangements of fooding and lodging have been made for the devotees coming to the temple.

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