Phulbani, Aug 23: The police have increased the security arrangements at the Gandhi Smruti Bhawan here today to avoid any unwanted situations during the condolence meeting held by Viswa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to observe the death anniversary of its leader, Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati.
As per the information, to keep law and order in control during the meeting, around two companies of CRPF, 21 platoons of OSAP, two companies of SOG, DVF and two ODRAF teams has been deployed. Along with these, 30 police officers, two ASPs and Seven DSPs also given duty to scrutinize security arrangements.
In view of the riots that had followed after the killing of the leader and his four followers eight years ago, police in plainclothes have also been stationed to check security activities.
The death anniversary, which happens to be Janmashatami day as per the Hindu calendar, will be observed at the Jalespata and Chakapada Ashrams tomorrow, while the condolence meeting will be held here today.
Priyanath Sharma, VHP’s East Zone Assistant Secretary said that a Kalash Yatra will be organized on the occasion followed by a special worship. He further said that many Hindu leaders and saints will be attending the event.
Notably, eight years ago, Saraswati and his four followers, were brutally killed on this day, that had led to a month-long riot in Kandhamal district. The riot had left at least 38 persons dead, where a majority of them were Christians.
