Security intensified at vital installations in southern TN

Security has been intensified at vital installations in Madurai and other southern districts of the State in the wake of the terror attacks in Sri Lanka.

Crowded public places such bus stands, railway stations, airports and religious sites have been brought under security cover with adequate personnel being deployed.

The movement of devotees in Meenakshi Amman temple, which is in the heart of Madurai city, and proceedings inside the temple is being monitored with the aid of CCTV surveillance cameras. As many as 152 police personnel have been posted to prevent any untoward incidents.

Madurai City Commissioner of Police S Davidson Devasirvatham inspected the temple premises on Saturday and reviewed the security arrangements in place. The devotees were thoroughly frisked by the armed guards at the four gates before they entered the temple. They were also denied permission to carry cell phones inside the temple as a security precaution, sources said.

The Madurai Airport, which caters to passengers from Southern districts bound for international destinations including Dubai and Colombo, has a thick security blanket.

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Railways (Madurai), R Mannarmannan said the Madurai railway junction was put on high alert and passengers were frisked before they boarded the trains. Moreover, their luggage was also being scanned. “Apart from regular patrolling, police personnel were also traveling in trains to build confidence in the passengers,” he said.

When contacted, Ramanathapuram Superintendent of Police Omprakash Meena said security measures had been strengthened along the Pamban rail and road bridges since Friday evening following the terror threat call. However, it proved to be a hoax call after a truck driver was arrested in Karnataka. Armed guards have been deployed at all four gates of the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram. Besides, lodges were also being checked to identify suspicious persons.

“Apart from the regular strength of 80 security personnel at the Ramanathaswamy temple and 12 personnel along the Pamban bridge, additional force has been deployed to monitor the situation round the clock. Moreover, fishermen and defence personnel including from the INS Parundu, Indian Coast Guard and Coastal Security Group were alerted to share intelligence with them on spotting any suspicious element,” the SP said.

The Thoothukudi Airport and religious sites including Subramaniya Swamy temple in Tiruchendur were also brought under security cover, sources added.