The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Security beefed up at Tirumala

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 06, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Security beefed up at Tirumala

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUMALA, DEC. 5. Security was stepped up at the Lord Venkateswara temple on Sunday ahead of Babri Masjid demolition day.

Watch towers have been set up at vantage points apart from intensifying patrolling in the `mada' streets.

Additional police forces were deployed at the temple's main entrance and other vital points. Roof- top centring atop the temple complex was stepped up by deploying additional security personnel. Talking to The Hindu the TTD Chief Security Officer, Balakrishna Murthy, said that apart from the TTD security and vigilance personnel, police personnel, the management for the first time had decided to utilise the services of civil officers like those of the NCC and in the process has roped in more than 300 cadets in its security operations.

Two sniffer dog squads -- one each at the GNC tol gate, Tirumala, and another at Alipiri tollgate, Tirupati, were pressed into action. Frisking was being intensified at the tollgates, Vaikuntam queue complex, Kalyanakatta and at all other vital installations. Further, two bomb disposal teams are also being engaged in the security drill. Combing operations were conducted on both the ghat roads and night patrolling intensified on the footpath leading to Tirumala.

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Andhra Pradesh