TV
Kandhamal district in Odisha has been put under a thick security blanket on Friday as authorities simultaneously prepared for three major events. The 17th death anniversary of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, Independence Day celebrations, and Janmashtami festivities coincide with one another this weekend, calling for enhanced security measures.
Police presence was significantly boosted across sensitive areas, entry and exit points were put under strict surveillance, and multiple platoons of personnel were deployed to ensure peace in the communally sensitive region.
Twin Observances And Tight Vigil
Reports stated that at the Jalespata and Chakapada ashrams, where the late VHP leader had spent much of his spiritual life, followers, seers, and devotees gathered in large numbers to mark the shradha barsiki (death anniversary) and tirodhan divas (day of passing). Special prayers, rituals, and memorial events were organised to honour his legacy.
Swami Lakshmanananda was assassinated on Janmashtami day in 2008 by armed attackers, triggering widespread violence in Kandhamal and neighbouring districts. His killing remains a flashpoint in the region’s history, making the anniversary a security-sensitive occasion every year.
Police have stationed four platoons at each of the two ashram sites, with additional patrolling teams moving through surrounding villages.
District-Wide Checks For Festival Season
Security measures extended beyond the ashram precincts as Independence Day and Janmashtami brought large gatherings and processions to towns and villages across Kandhamal.
Fifteen platoons of police, supported by quick reaction teams, have been mobilised district-wide. Checkpoints at all major entry and exit routes were reinforced, with personnel conducting vehicle inspections and intensified frisking operations.
Kandhamal SP Harish BC confirmed that police presence had been scaled up in all 18 police station areas.
“The police are alert, but for additional security, we have mobilised the Arun-7 platoon for Independence Day and Janmashtami celebrations. In total, 15 platoons have been deployed in the district."
