1st MASJID ANNIV after SC verdict: Security strengthened across southern districts

Tight vigil has been maintained at all vital installations and crowded places after being brought under high security cover. In Madurai, security measures have been beefed up with the deployment of around 5,000 Armed Police personnel.

With Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple located in the heart of the Madurai city, the precincts of the temple have been placed under heightened surveillance.

Each and every person entering the temple is scanned through metal detectors and thoroughly frisked at entry points. More importantly, a team of Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) personnel is on alert round-the-clock. Sniffer dogs are also pressed into service, sources said.

Moreover, multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place at Madurai airport and Railway Junction. Both air and rail passengers are screened through scanners before they embark on travel.

Security has also been monitored with the aid of CCTV surveillance cameras installed at vital locations. With adequate deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) at Madurai Railway Junction and other key stations, baggage of passengers are screened and they are also checked with security system before boarding trains.

In Ramanathapuram district, Ramanathasamy temple, a holy pilgrimage centre, is guarded with scores of gunmen in place. Devotees, who access temple, are asked to carry only pooja articles and restricted from possessing other material. Further, Dhandayuthapani temple atop Palani hills, Andal temple at Srivilliputhur and Bagavathy Amman temple in Kanniyakumari are also brought under 24-hour vigil.

Security is also up on Pamban road bridge and the RPF personnel have intensified track patrolling along Pamban rail bridge round-the-clock. Besides, surveillance has also been mounted by the Indian Coast Guard personnel on high seas and the Coastal Security Group along the shorelines, the sources said.

S. Saravanan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, (Law and Order) Tirunelveli City, said 600 police personnel have been deployed in several localities of the city.

Vehicles are being checked after intercepting and patrolling has been intensified round-the-clock. A BDDS team is also roped in as vital part of security measures. Additional security measures have been put up at vital installations such as bus stand areas and railway station junctions.

The Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore received a letter on Thursday which threatened that bombs would go off in five temples in Chennai. Following this, a bomb squad conducted a thorough check of the temple premises and security was also beefed up. The sender’s name in the letter,  which has been sent a day ahead of the Babri Masjid anniversary,  was mentioned as Mohammed Hanif from Saidapet and a police investigation revealed that some trouble monger had sent the letter in that person’s name. The letter reportedly stated that all temples would be blown up to avenge the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.