Security at Kumbh tightened

Allahabad  :  Security at the Kumbh Mela, where millions of Hindus and others have congregated, was further tightened Saturday as Afzal Guru, convicted for his central role in the attack on the Indian parliament over 11 years ago, was hanged at the Tihar Jail in New Delhi.

Heavy security was clamped in the 58 sq. km. premises, with police blockades added at vantage points. Central forces were deployed at important places as hundreds and thousands of people are entering the city from various places.

Mela administration officials said that the number are likely to swell by midnight, a day before the main royal bathing day on Mauni Amavasya.

Plying of boats, ferrying devotees from one bank to another has also been stopped across the Sangam confluence as a boat overturned at the VIP ghat Saturday morning.

While no one was hurt as divers immediately rescued people on it, the administration clamped a ban of boats.

Four wheelers have been completely banned in the mela premises and people with valid vehicle passes are also being stopped a few kilometres before the campus.