Kandhamal VHP leader's death anniversary passes off peacefully

The 17th death anniversary of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati passed off peacefully in Kandhamal district amidst tightened security arrangements Friday, official said.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

While security was especially tightened around Saraswati’s ashrams at Chakapada and Jalespeta, the entire district was placed under a security blanket as the VHP leader’s assassination August 23, 2008 led to large-scale violence that claimed 38 lives.

Saraswati’s death anniversary is observed according to the Hindu calendar, Jalespeta ashram head Swami Jeevan Muktananda Puri said.

The monk and four of his associates were gunned down while they were celebrating Janmashtami at Jalespeta ashram under Tumudibandh police station in the district.