Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh): Security forces in Ayodhya and other parts of Uttar Pradesh have been placed on high alert as the state observes the 33rd anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. Authorities are carrying out stringent vehicle checks across major routes.

"There is an arrangement of checking at various points... We have requested all hotels and dharamshalas to maintain records of visitors staying there, which our officers will verify. Vehicles are being checked regularly. Our teams are also patrolling the ghats and other areas... There are separate teams for security checks and surveillance as well as for crowd management." Ayodhya Superintendent of Police (SP) Chakrapani Tripathi said.

Meanwhile, in Varanasi, security has also been tightened at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Saravanan Thagamani confirmed that comprehensive checks are underway across the city, with officers on high alert.

He added, "Everyone in all the zone from Varanasi Commissionerate are on high alert... Checking is being conducted at Varanasi City, Varanasi Junction and Banaras Railway Stations and patrolling has been deployed at all the 84 ghats. Special surveillance will be conducted during evening aarti at Assi Ghat, Namo Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat."

The official also noted, "Bomb squad and dog squad are conducting checks at the railway station parking along with RPF and GRP. Bus stands are also undergoing checks. Special security has been deployed at Kashi Vishwanath temple, Kaal Bhairava temple and Sankatmochan Hanuman temple."

The Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was demolished on December 6, 1992, by a large group of 'kar sevaks'. The incident triggered widespread violence, leading to attacks on Muslim residences in Ayodhya and riots in various parts of India, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 people.

ANI