High security cover for Maya's visit to Varanasi

Varanasi, Feb 20 (UNI) Unprecedented security arrangements have been made for Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's visit here tomorrow on the occasion of 631st birth anniversary of sant Ravidas.

As many as four ASPs, 13 DSPs, 100 sub-inspectors, 450 constables, 150 plain-clothes policemen, three quick reaction teams and five companies of PAC and Mayawati's cobra commandoes would form the inner, middle and outer security circles.

The CM's helicopter will land on the helipad constructed near Ravidas temple in Seer Govardhan area from where the three layered security cover would guard her.

During her 70 minutes stay, the BSP supremo would pay obeisance at the temple and offer the 'golden palki' - a gift, especially made by the foreign devotees of the saint estimated at over Rs 1 one crore - in the temple.

Later, she would unveil the bust at the sant Ravidas Park.

The entrance and exit gates would be equipped with door frame metal detectors, while anti-riot vehicles, fire tenders, anti-sabotage and bomb disposal squad would also be garrisoned in the area, Superintendent of Police (city) Rajiv Malhotra said.

He said that tight security arrangements would be imposed in all the localities, where the saint's followers procession will pass, besides initiating special security cover for the precious gift reaching here this evening.

Meanwhile, other arrangements are on with full swing for the grand function.

Principal Secretary (Home) J N Chamber also took stock of the the preparations last evening.

Meanwhile, thousands of devotees had already seethed here and staying in makeshift 'pandals'.

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