VARANASI, July 21, 2013: The tall claims of enhanced security arrangements at Sarnath, following recent serial blasts at Bodh Gaya, were exposed on the inaugural day of the Dhammachakka Mahotsava. Merely two constables were deployed as a part of security arrangement on Sunday.

More than 5,000 monks, scholars and pilgrims attended Dhammachakka Mahotsav on the first day. SP, city, Rahul Raj said that elaborate security arrangement would be in place from Monday when major events begin. Raj, who had visited Sarnath soon after Bodh Gaya blasts, said that bomb disposal squad and police dogs had already checked and cleared the area on Sunday morning. "Though we are unable to provide a door frame metal detector, hand-held metal detectors well be given to security personnel. All these security arrangements will be supervised by SO Sarnath," he said.

During the visit, TOI found that the entry to the premises was unrestricted. Anyone could enter the premises with luggage. "District administration's apathy towards security is shocking, especially after Bodh Gaya incident. The festival is already underway. The main venue -- the Mahabodhi Temple -- is still being guarded by two constables. Even they do not bother to stop or check anyone," said Virendra Maurya, one of the volunteers managing the festival. The head of Mahabodhi Society, the organising body of the festival, Shivali Bhante said proper security arrangement was still a concern at major tourist destinations like Sarnath."

Stating that proper security arrangement during festival was vital but it should not be temporary. Sarnath witnesses heavy rush of tourists for most part of the year and should have elaborate and permanent security arrangements. Moreover, police personnel deployed at Sarnath should be trained especially for the purpose. "The constables supposed to handle the security are not even trained for this. And without a metal detector anything can enter the premise," said Bhante.

Source: The times of India, DT. July 21, 2013.