Security beefed up in Kandhamal on 10th death anniversary of Laxmanananda Saraswati

Kandhamal: Security has been tightened across the district today on 10th death anniversary of spiritual leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.

"We have made all security arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the functions," Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh said.

In total, nine platoons of police force have been deployed including one at the Jaleshpata ashram where the Hindu monk was assassinated. A combing operation has also been launched in Baliguda, Kotgarh and Tumudibandha areas to prevent any untoward incident during the occasion, police sources said.

Different organisations, hosteliers & staff of Chakapad Gurukul Sanskrit ashram school and Jaleshpata ashram in the district today organised functions in memory of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader.

Speaking on the occasion, successor of the murdered VHP leader, Swami Sachitananda Saraswati said, "There is resentment among people of Odisha for the inability of the State government to arrest the killer of Swami Laxmanananda even after 10 years of the brutal murder.”

Meanwhile, BJP general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan has blamed BJD for the murder of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati.

#Odisha BJP general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan blames BJD for the killing of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati; says Centre will take up the matter with seriousness and may order for CBI probe into the incident after consideration pic.twitter.com/ZzD3kZzcim

— OTV (@otvnews) September 2, 2018

The VHP leader and four of his associates were murdered at his Jaleshpata Ashram on August 23, 2008. The killing had triggered widespread communal violence in Kandhamal and adjoining areas. At least 38 people were killed following the incident.