RANCHI, July 8, 2013: State police have sounded an alert throughout Jharkhand, particularly at religious places, in the wake of serial bomb blasts that took place in Gaya, a district in Bihar that shares its border with the state.

More security forces have been deployed at the Baidyanath Dham. Security has been beefed up at Parasnath and also at Rajrappa which draw hundreds of devotees on holidays and weekly offs. The state intelligence had, a couple of months ago, received inputs about the Baba Dham temple being on the radar of the terrorists after which security was tightened at the shrine.

ADG (headquarter) B B Pradhan said all places of importance have been put on high security alert. "The incident which occurred in the neighbouring state has made us cautious. Alert has been sent to all SPs who have been asked to beef up security," said Pradhan.

Five people, including two tourists, were injured in a serial blast near Mahabodhi temple complex at Bodh Gaya on Sunday. The Shravani Mela, which draws over 50 lakh devotees from across the country and also from foreign countries, is scheduled to begin on July 23.

DC, Deoghar Rahul Purwar said policemen have been asked to frisk all devotees whom they find suspicious. "We are maintaining all-round vigil at the temple," said Purwar. A source in the police said senior police officers have been asked to monitor the CCTVs installed at the shrine.

A major Rath Yatra at Ranchi's famous Jagganathpur temple is scheduled on July 10. Ranchi police have been asked to leave no loopholes in maintaining tight security at the place. SSP, Ranchi Saket Kumar Singh said he has asked his men to be vigilant. tnn

The police headquarter has also asked SPs to maintain vigil at railway stations and bus stands. The terrorists often use these places to travel and also target passengers. A source in the police said more RPF personnel are deployed at the Ranchi railway station.

Source: The Times of India, DT. July 8, 2013.