Special branch CID security audit at Rameswaram temple
Move follows intelligence reports in the aftermath of bomb blasts in Sri Lanka
The Tamil Nadu special branch CID police conducted a security audit at the historic Sri Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram and gave suggestions to enhance its security further.
After intelligence reports suggested that temples and places of public gatherings could be targeted for terror attacks in the aftermath of Easter Sunday’s serial bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, the special branch CID team, headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Vijayakumar, conducted the audit at the temple on Monday.
Superintendent of Police Omprakash Meena said the team inspected all 160 CCTV cameras, including 70 cameras installed by the district police and five door-frame metal detectors installed at the entrances, and suggested installation of additional CCTV cameras to make security foolproof.
The team found that two of the five DFMDs, installed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, were not functioning and asked the officials to set them right. The team also found that devotees, especially women, were not frisked properly.
The team suggested that identities of shop owners in the temple be verified and that they be issued new identity cards. They were last issued the cards in 2013, the SP said. The team also suggested additional security in the four car streets around the temple, when processions were taken out.
A day after the serial blasts, the district police conducted security audit at the temple and tightened security. He said after the CID team submitted report to the Intelligence Wing, the government would send recommendations for enhancing security. Though there was no specific threat to bridges and vital installations, security would continue at the Pamban rail and road bridges, he added. The Railways have posted armed police guards at the rail bridge, he said.