Saran: Security measures have been heightened across Saran district in response to a bomb blast near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station on the evening of November 10, resulting in nine fatalities and numerous injuries. Authorities have mandated strict vigilance from the Sonepur Mela in Harihar to various local temples and tourist attractions. With assembly vote counting set for November 14 and an anticipated rise in visitors to the Sonepur Fair, district officials have bolstered security protocols. Police patrols, CCTV surveillance, and vehicle inspections have been enhanced at critical sites.
Bihar Police Headquarters, in collaboration with the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), has ordered thorough checks at sensitive areas such as railway stations, bus terminals, markets, hotels, malls, government buildings, and places of worship. Patrol teams are stationed at major intersections, and round-the-clock monitoring is in effect. Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Kumar Ashish conducted inspections at Chhapra Junction, Nagar Police Station, and Bhagwan Bazaar Police Station on Monday, overseeing vehicle inspections and interrogating suspicious individuals. Officers have been directed to ensure efficient communication with security agencies. The Sonepur Mela, recognized as one of India’s largest and most famous events, has seen an increase in police personnel deployment.
Incoming vehicles to the fairgrounds are subject to checks, and there is intensified CCTV oversight and patrolling to thwart any suspicious behavior. Enhanced vigilance has also been applied at tourist and religious locations around Chhapra, including Ami Temple, Hariharnath Temple, Gandak River Ghat, and nearby ashrams. Police have been assigned to verify visitor identities, monitor unattended items, and promptly report any suspicious incidents. Authorities have urged the public to notify them of any unusual conduct or items. In line with ATS directives, online threats are being actively monitored. The police cyber team has been tasked with countering the dissemination of rumors or misleading information, appealing to the public to refrain from sharing unverified content.
Authorities recalled previous incidents, such as blogger Jyoti Malhotra’s visit last year, who was linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency after filming the fair and religious sites, raising security concerns. She was later arrested upon confirmation of her ISI connections. As the assembly vote counting approaches on November 14, all counting centers in Saran are under stringent security oversight, implementing CCTV monitoring, three-tier cordons outside strong rooms, and police deployments under magistrate supervision. Dr. Ashish stressed that public safety is the utmost priority, and any suspicious activities will be promptly addressed.