Security up as 2 masked men spotted near temple in Patiala

Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 26

Security near religious shrines has been beefed up after two turbaned bike-borne men with covered faces were spotted moving suspiciously around Kali Mata Temple here late on Sunday night.

The move follows a written complaint to the Punjab DGP by local Hindu leaders, led by Hindu Takht leader Panchanand Giri, who sought “enhanced security cover in the wake of the recent ISI-backed terror threat” in the state.

“The two men also distributed liquor to some beggars who sleep near the temple. Devotees offer liquor in the temple every Saturday. However, their covered faces raise suspicion,” the complaint to the DGP read.

“We are attaching photographs of the two accused seen suspiciously moving around the temple and we demand a high-level probe into the case,” the complaint added.

A top official said: “Considering the recent ISI-backed terror modules foiled in Patiala and Amritsar, we are not taking chances in case of religious leaders.”

AS Rai, IG, Patiala zone, said the matter had been discussed with the seniors. “We will review the security of religious shrines as per the standard operating procedure,” he said.