'Ganapati Visarjan' begins amid tight security

Mumbai, Sep 14 (UNI) In view of the serial blasts in the national capital yesterday, the processions for the immersion of Ganesh idols began amid tight security arrangements in the city this morning.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil late last night said high alert has been declared across the state following the blasts.

Mr Patil said additional security forces from Central Government had been deployed along with local police in city and other parts of the state, keeping in mind the e-mails threatening to target the city.

The Deputy Chief Minister has appealed to the people of state not to panic and be alert during ''Ganapati Visarjan'' (immersion) and inform the police about any suspected and unclaimed objects.

Security at all major railway stations, bus depots, airports in the commercial capital of the country has been beefed up following the serial blasts in New Delhi, Director General of Police (DGP) A N Roy said. The city was already on a tight security net in the wake of Ganesh immersion, he said.

The DGP also appealed to the people to stay calm and enjoy the festivities of Ganeshotsav.

''People should allow the police to do their work and should refrain from believing in or spreading rumours,'' Mr Roy said.

Lakhs of people across the state are expected to take part in the immersion of Ganesh idols on the last day of Ganeshotsav today.

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