Foolproof security sought for Belur temple after threat

The administrative board of the 900-year-old Channakeshava temple here have sought security measures for the temple, following an intelligence alert of a terror threat.

The authorities have written letters to the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police to take the necessary steps.

According to sources, an officer from a central intelligence agency had called up the temple executive officer Vidyullatha on April 21 and alerted her that a Pakistani terrorist group had hatched a plan to destroy heritage buildings in the state, including the Channakeshava temple.

Only one police constable and six employees of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are deployed at the temple.

There is not even a metal detector, which shows the apathy of the ASI. Except a few CCTV cameras, installed by the Muzrai department, no security measures have been taken.

There was a similar situation, when terror groups had threatened to blow up the temple on November 11, 2004. Security was tightened at the temple then and a special task force, bomb defusing squad and a Rapid Action Force were deployed there. A metal detector was used to scan people entering the temple.

No security measures

Carrying bags and mobile phones was banned into the temple. But, after a few years, all the security measures were withdrawn.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, a police officer said the department could provide only normal security as it was the responsibility of the ASI to deploy additional forces.