Chinese woman suspected of spying on Dala Lama detained in Bodh Gaya

NEW DELHI: A Chinese woman, who was suspected of spying on Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, was detained in Bihar's Bodh Gaya by the Bihar Police on Thursday.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday called it "a security issue" and refused to comment further on it. "It looks like a security issue, I don't have any update on it. I certainly don't think this is the right forum to talk about security-related aspects," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

He said the government has a liaison officer there, but refused to make any further comments on the "security issue".

A security alert was issued in Bodh Gaya on Thursday morning amid a visit of the Dalai Lama, with the police searching for a Chinese woman, an official said.

Police issued a sketch of the woman, identified as Song Xiaolan, besides sharing her passport and visa details with the press.

Security has been beefed up around the Mahabodhi Temple Complex with the screening of devotees being intensified.

The Dalai Lama addressed a gathering there in the morning.

(With PTI inputs)