Audit exposes security lapses

Tirupati: The Tirupati Urban district police conducted a security audit at famous Lord Shiva temple in Srikalahasti, popularly known as Dakshina Kasi, and found several lapses. The temple security is under the control of the AP Endowments department. The CCTV cameras installed at vital locations are not functioning and data recorded from CCTVs can be stored for only 20 days.

After Tirumala, large number of devotees visit the Srikalahasti temple. Recently, the DGP directed Urban SP KKN Anburajan to conduct a security audit of the Srikalahasti temple. Under the directions of the Urban SP, a team led by Additional SP (Law & Order) Anil Babu visited the temple to know about security arrangements.

In the audit, the Additional SP found security staff were not trained to give protection to temple and devotees. Every day, more than 50,000 devotees visit Srikalahasti temple to have Lord's darshan and perform the Rahu Ketu poojas.

The cops found security personnel were not checking the devotees and only maintaining queue lines. Luggage bags were not scanned as per the security norms. The door frame metal detectors at the temple entrance and near sanctum sanctorum are not working. The cops noticed security guards were not checking devotees taking part in Rahu Kethu pooja.

The lapses in the security can make temple and devotees vulnerable to attacks. The security audit was conducted in the wake of series of blasts in several churches in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. After the audit, the Additional SP made few recommendations to the EO for strengthening the security for temple and devotees.

He advised EO to purchase sufficient number of door frame metal detectors for automatic checking of devotees and appoint a responsible person to supervise day-to-day security. One of the major recommendations of the SP is to replace defunct CCTVs with new ones.

Speaking to The Hans India on Friday, the Urban SP stated ASPs and DSPs were instructed to assess the security in temples. "We will submit a report to the DGP about security in temples," he mentioned.