Combing cooperation continues on and around Tirumala hills

Tirupati, Jul 31 (UNI) In view of the recent serial bomb blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad and being alerted by the top intelligence officials about threat to the Tirumula temple here, combing operations on and around the hills were conducted by the police.

Some people were taken into custody by the police for interrogation during the combing operations conducted at Mangalam near Jeevakona, where migrant labourers were sheltered. However, one of the police officials clarified that it was a routine task and they were just stepping up security.

To chalk out the security measures at Tirumala and other important temples, including Sri Padmavathi Ammaravi Temple, Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy temple and Varasiddi Vinayaka temple in Chittoor district, to prevent any terrorist attack, a high-level security meeting was held at the TTD Administration building here.

The meeting, attended by top state intelligence officials, District Superintendent of Police Lakshmireddy and TTD Chief Vigilance and Security Officer Ramanakumar, discussed over various issues related to deploying of Special Protection Force (SPG).

During his recent visit here, Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy also expressed displeasure over the present security scenario at Tirumala temple and announced deploying of the SPG in a phased manner as part of strengthening the security at Tirumala temple, where everyday, over lakh devotees visit.

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