Siddhivinayak trust seeks CISF cover for temple

In what might turn out to be a trendsetter in the highly insecure environment prevailing in the city at present, the Siddhivinayak trust has sought Central Industrial Security Force cover for the temple, at Prabhadevi in central Mumbai.

In what might turn out to be a trendsetter in the highly insecure environment prevailing in the city at present, the Siddhivinayak trust has sought Central Industrial Security Force CISF cover for the temple, at Prabhadevi in central Mumbai.

In a letter written to City Police Commissioner Hasan Gafoor, the chairperson of the trust Subhash Mayekar has asked for at least 20 CISF jawans to guard the temple premises round the clock.

At present, the Ganesh temple is guarded by about 50 private security guards and half-a-dozen police commandos. 8220;We have received threats in the past and are very concerned about the security of devotees who visit the temple,8221; Mayekar told The Indian Express on Tuesday. 8220;We do have some police commandos guarding the premises, but getting adequate police personnel is becoming difficult because they are required to be deployed elsewhere.8221;

He pointed out that the trustees had built a wall around the temple after the threats, but would like to enhance security in wake of the recent terror attacks in Mumbai.

8220;We are willing to pay the charges and provide amenities to the CISF personnel to ensure the security of devoteesiquest; the temple is managed out of donations from devotees and the same money will be used to ensure their protection,8221; he said, pointing out that the issue had been discussed with senior police personnel as well as officials from the law and judiciary department of the state government.

Mayekar said that a day after the terrorist struck, he had spoken to senior police officials about getting CISF cover for the temple. But then, the CISF was meant to protect public sector establishments only. However, he said that with subsequent change in the policy, the trust would pursue the matter further.

The Siddhivinayak temple, one of the most popular shrines in the metropolis, is patronised even by film stars and celebrities. Mayekar said that after the terror attack the flow of devotees had reduced, but was picking up gradually.