3-Tier Security for Entry to Mela Area Ahead of New Year

Articulating water tower is a modern firefighting vehicle specifically designed to tackle fires in multi-storey structures and large tents

- HT Correspondent

PRAYAGRAJ: In the wake of designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's alleged 'threat' to disrupt the upcoming Mahakumbh, the entire security apparatus in the mega fair area and also across Prayagraj district has been upgraded.

Under it, security has been heightened at temples and key sites in Mahakumbh Nagar to ensure people's safety ahead of New Year celebrations. The intelligence system has also been activated across the Mahakumbh Mela area and neighboring districts.

As per the officials aware of the move, three-tier security checks have been put in place for Mahakumbh entry. Besides, a three-level intelligence system has also been deployed in the mela area.

A purported video featuring threats to disrupt the key bathing dates at the mega religious event has surfaced on social media, with the voice in the video being attributed to Sikh separatist Pannun.

The 'threat' came within days of three terror suspects allegedly involved in a grenade attack in Gurdaspur, Punjab, getting killed in an encounter with a joint team of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab Police in Pilibhit.

Reviewing preparations for Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj earlier this week, chief minister Yogi Adityanath asked officials to remain alert as the Mahakumbh was a mega event and no terrorist organisation should be able to target it. Pannun's 'threat' specially mentioned targeting key bathing festivals including Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29) and Basant Panchami (February 3).