Security alert in Varanasi after Chapra's rail mishap

VARANASI: Security alert has been issued in all ten districts of Varanasi zone after reports emerged that sabotage by Maoists could be behind the derailment of Rajdhani Express at Chapra in Bihar today.

UP Director General of Police (DGP) A L Bannerji today held a meeting with Varanasi Zone IG Prakash D and other senior district police officials during which he directed them to intensify security arrangements in the Varanasi zone, especially three naxal-affected districts of Chandauli, Mirzapur and Sonbhadra.

"The DGP directed us to beef up the security in Varanasi zone," IG Prakash said.

He said till now there is no confirmation about any sabotage behind the derailment and the security alert has been issued as a precautionary measure as Varanasi zone (rpt zone) shares border with four Naxal-affected states of Bihar, Madhya Pardesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Meanwhile, DGP Bannerji also took stock of the security arrangements at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and instructed officials to keep a vigil over each and every activity on the temple premises and its surrounding areas, IG Prakash said.

During the visit, the DGP said hi-tech equipment will be installed at Kashi Vishwanath temple to enhance its security, they said.

At least four passengers died when 12 coaches of the Dibrugarh-bound Rajdhani Express derailed near Chapra in Saran district of Bihar and Railways suspected sabotage by Maoists behind the derailment.