Nagapattinam: In the wake of the deadly bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, Shrine Basilica at Velankanni and the Danish Fort in Nagapattinam have been provided with three-tier security cover.
According to reports, security at all the 53 coastal villages in the district has been strengthened with 24 hours vigil by police, coast guard, coastal security group and forest department personnel.
Superintendent of Police C Vijayakumar was quoted saying, “Armed police personnel are on duty at these places. Pilgrims entering the Velankanni church are being thoroughly scanned with bomb detectors.”
Vijayakumar said thorough vehicle checking was being conducted through the 19 checkposts in the district and movement of strangers is being monitored.
The Dansborg Fort, built by the Danes at Tarangambadi in 1620 AD, is located right at the seafront, and the Coast Guard was patrolling the area.
Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram is also being given security, said reports.
The deadly attacks were carried out in high-end hotels and churches during Easter services on Sunday morning. Suicide bombers were involved in at least two of the eight attacks that struck three churches and luxury hotels. Over 290 people were killed and around 500 others injured in a series of blasts at several locations in the island nation.