Security beefed up in Varanasi ahead of New Year Eve

Varanasi, Dec.30 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Police has beefed up security measures ahead of New Year Eve in Varanasi as policemen and commandos were patrolling public places and along the banks of the River Ganga.

On December 8, a bomb blast rocked the Dashashwamedh Ghat on the riverbanks of Ganga near the Vishwanath temple.

A two-year-old girl was killed and about 37 people including foreign tourists injured in the blast and the ensuing stampede.

Keeping this tragic incident in view, the top brass of the police has deployed ample number of personnel to carry out preventive security checks at vantage locations.

"For December 31, we have deployed police force in special places that cover public places. Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel and Commandos have been roped in to cover areas such as Ghats, railway stations and bus stands," said Prem Prakash, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Varanasi Range.

Residents said the security force has definitely been increased ahead of New Year Eve and termed it as an apt step.

"The presence of police force has definitely increased and otherwise there were not many security personnel along the banks of the river. And before the bomb blast one could hardly see any policemen here," said Rohit, a resident.

The militant outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM) claimed responsibility for the blast by sending e-mails to media houses. By Girish Dubey (ANI)