Security strengthened across pilgrimage sites, railway stations in UP after LeT threat

AGRA: Security measures across major railway stations in Agra railway division were strengthened after the office of the UP DGP issued an alert about possible terrorist attack to additional directors-general of Meerut, Agra and Varanasi along with the superintendents of police (railways) of Moradabad and Agra divisions.
This followed a threat message received by divisional railway manager of Ferozpur from Maulana Abu Shaikh, area commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jammu and Kashmir.

In the letter, Shaikh allegedly threatened to bomb Hapur and Saharanpur railway stations, along with Krishna Janmabhumi temple in Mathura and Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi.

"On May 29, DRM Ferozpur office recived a letter, threatening to bomb several places on June 6, 8 and 10. Now such letters can be a job of miscreant just for the sake of fun, or it may be a genuine threat, but whatever the reason is, our job is to follow orders and provide complete security to people and properties of public and private,” said an senior officer on anonymity. .

On Wednesday government railway police and railway protection force conducted patrolling on railway stations, trains and frisked passengers and their belongings. Similarly, in Mathura and Agra local police force also kept vigil on premises around the Krishan Janam Bhumi, Taj Mahal and other pilgrimage and tourist sites.

Abhishek Yadav, superintendent of police, GRP Agra division said, “After the threat input, the security at all major railway stations such as Agra cantt, Raja Ki Mandi, Mathura Junction, Tundla, Aligarh junction has been strengthened. Constant vigil around the station premises and in heavy crowded trains along with foot patrolling is being done. The cops have been asked to intimate their senior officials about any suspicious activities."