Still no security at most temples

THERE WAS hardly any security at many temples in the city a day after Tuesday?s blasts, though vigil was stepped up at the sensitive Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanwapi Temple Complex.

THERE WAS hardly any security at many temples in the city a day after Tuesday’s blasts, though vigil was stepped up at the sensitive Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanwapi Temple Complex.

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There was not a single constable, or security personnel at most of the shrines, including the Mahamritunjaya Mahadev, the Kal Bhairav, the Batuk Bhairav, the Bada Ganesh, the Gauri Kedareshwar and the Chintamani Ganesh Temples.

Mahamrityunjaya Mahadev Temple Mahant Mohan Lal Dixit said the temple administration had asked Kotwali Police Station officials to beef up security 20 days ago, but to no avail.

Batuk Bhairav Temple Mahant Rakesh Puri expressed dissatisfaction over security arrangements.

“Not a single constable was deployed at the temple even on Sunday (a special day for this deity),” said Puri.

Meanwhile, deputy superintendent of police (Gyanwapi Complex) said securitymen at the complex were put on high alert. Deputy inspector general of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Narendra Singh also visited the complex.

As a result of Tuesday’s incident, shopkeepers refused to keep the luggage of devotees on Wednesday.

Dr Vishamber Mishra, another mahant of the Sankat Mochan Temple, urged Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav to ensure smooth flow of devotees, which had been affected in view of enhancement of security. The chief minister asked director general, PAC, Bua Singh to ensure smooth entry of devotees into the temple.