Security stepped up at Puri temple

Puri (VISAKEO): Two platoons of armed police, a bomb disposal unit and a dog squad were pressed into service since Saturday night in this pilgrim city to prevent any terrorist attack on Jagannatha Temple. Soon after the Hyderabad blast, the State Government asked the police to take adequate security measures for the protection and prevention of any terrorist violence. Puri is one of the four dhamas (shrines) of Hindu faith and an important place of pilgrimage. Police sources said that the temple could be a possible target for the terrorists to massacre people in large numbers. Since the population of the devotees was very large during the ordinary days and it increases on festivals, the terrorists may strike at any time. Based on the inputs of the intelligence agencies the Government has asked the police to take adequate steps to ensure safety of the shrine and other important temples.The devotees were frisked at the entrance and mobile phones were strictly prohibited. Armed police were manning the temple gates round the clock. Metal detectors were installed at the temple entrance and sleuths of the police and intelligence wing have been scanning possible hideouts besides all entry points to the city. Explosive sniffing dogs were being pressed into service to detect hidden explosives from the temple surroundings. Superintendent of Police Asit Kumar Panigrahi said, "Two platoons of armed police were deployed at the Sri Jagannatha Temple and the Gundicha temple besides round the clock police patrolling was being provided to the temple." Police advised all the hoteliers, dharamshalas and the transport operators to inform if they notice any suspicious person baggage, he added. The temple administration too activated all the close circuit security cameras to monitor the crowd in the temple complex. Close vigil of the temple was maintained and the police was kept on alert and this operation would continue, Panigrahi informed.