Security of Meenakshi Temple tightened

Madurai, Sep 25 (UNI) Security of World-famous Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple here has been tightened following reports that the temple is under terrorists' hit list.

Police sources said multi-pronged security arrangements have been made in and around the temple as a precautionary measure and the entire area has been brought under police cordon.

Speed dome cameras have been installed at five entrance points of the temple. Devotees were allowed to enter the temple only through two entrances, while the remaining three entrances were closed until further orders.

The devotees were frisked by the security men, before being allowed into the temple. The baggages were also subjected to thorough check. Besides the round-the-clock security arrangement, police patrolling has been intensified around the temple complex, the sources added.

Personnel of Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) were routinely conducting anti-sabotage checks in the temple. The police have clamped all these security exercises without disturbing the religious sentiments of the devotees, the sources said.

Meanwhile, security measures have been stepped up in other historic temples like Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram, Lord Dhandayuthapani Temple atop Palani Hill, Arulmigu Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, Lord Karpaga Vinayagar Temple at Pillaiyarpatti, Sri Rangamannar Temple also popularly called as Andal Temple in Srivilliputhur and Kumari Amman Temple at Kanyakumari.

Officials of various agencies, including Special Intelligence Cell were involved in making the security arrangements, the sources added.

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