THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Though the city police do not consider back to back thefts at shops near Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple as a security concern for the richest temple in the world, what seems to be a hindrance to put in place long term security is the fact that stringent adherence to archaeological norms should be observed, a police officer said.
The latest is that seismic sensors that were to be installed to thwart the possibility of robbers digging a tunnel into the treasure trove has to be put on hold. Since this will involve digging inside the ancient temple, police could not proceed with the plan.
“For the time being, we are installing some infrared devices on the walls. Seismic sensors will need some deep digging. Godrej is installing speed folding doors at seven entry points to automatically seal gates,” a senior official said.
The Centre for Earth Studies had earlier conducted a study on tunnels under the temple and they had ruled out the legends of unknown tunnels that could possibly be used by anyone.
Hundreds of commandos and policemen, including officials occupying bullet-proof sentry points now guard the temple which has around 60 cameras and stringent aerial monitoring system. Apart from this are the impermeable bollard and road blocker systems that can even turn trucks turtle.
“The thefts which happened at lottery shop, shops and hotel in the fort have no impact on the temple security. It is totally secure and even the civic work that happens in the area pose no threat to the temple,” said police commissioner H. Venkatesh referring to Operation Anantha.
As per officers, the commandos guarding the temple are not allowed to move from their stipulated positions and would not respond to petty issues.
“A separate temple control room party takes care of any petty offences within the temple premises. The shops outside are a matter of Fort police and they have beefed up the patrolling and shadow police surveillance,” another officer said.
