Saran: Security across Saran district has been intensified following a bomb blast near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station on the evening of November 10, which left nine dead and several injured. Authorities have issued strict vigilance orders from the Sonepur Mela in Harihar to local temples and tourist sites.
With assembly vote counting scheduled for November 14 and the expected influx of visitors at the Sonepur Fair, district officials have strengthened security measures. Police patrols, CCTV monitoring, and vehicle checks have been ramped up across key locations.
Heightened Security Measures
Bihar Police Headquarters, in coordination with the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), has directed intensive checks at sensitive locations including railway stations, bus stands, markets, hotels, malls, administrative buildings, and religious sites. Patrol teams are stationed at major intersections, and 24-hour surveillance is in place.
Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Kumar Ashish conducted night-time inspections at Chhapra Junction, Nagar Police Station, and Bhagwan Bazaar Police Station on Monday, overseeing vehicle checks and questioning suspicious individuals. Authorities have instructed officers to maintain prompt coordination with security agencies.
Sonpur Mela and Religious Sites Under Watch
The Sonepur Mela, one of the country’s largest and most internationally renowned events, has seen a further deployment of police personnel. Vehicles entering the fairgrounds are being checked, while CCTV monitoring and patrolling teams have been intensified to prevent any suspicious activity.
Additional vigilance measures have been implemented at tourist and religious sites in and around Chhapra, including the Ami Temple, Hariharnath Temple, Gandak River Ghat, and local ashrams. Police personnel have been tasked with verifying visitors’ identities, monitoring abandoned objects, and reporting suspicious activity immediately. Authorities have urged the public to report any unusual behaviour or items.
Monitoring Online Threats
In line with ATS directives, internet media is under active surveillance. The police cyber team has been instructed to act against the spread of rumours or misleading information, with appeals made to the public to avoid sharing unverified posts.
Authorities have cited concerns from past incidents, including the visit of blogger Jyoti Malhotra last year. Linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, Malhotra had recorded videos of the fair, including the horse market and religious sites, raising suspicions about potential security breaches. She was subsequently arrested after her ISI connections were confirmed.
Election Vote Counting Security
Ahead of assembly vote counting on November 14, all counting centres in Saran are under strict security supervision. CCTV monitoring, three-tier cordons outside strong rooms, and deployment of police under magistrate oversight have been implemented. Dr. Ashish emphasised that public safety remains the top priority, and any suspicious activity will be addressed without delay.
