Metal detectors installed to frisk devotees at Chaudi Ganesh mandal

CANACONA, AUG 27
Taking no chances on security threats during Ganesh festivities, Canacona police has installed metal detectors to frisk devotees entering to worship a Sarvajanik Ganesh idol at Chaudi-Canacona.
Sarvajanik Ganeshotshav Mandal, Chaudi, has installed a Ganesh idol at old bus stand at Chaudi, where people from different faith throng to seek blessings.
Police are seen guarding the pandal entrance since Monday to keep an eye on devotees entering through the metal detectors gate.
A source from police speaking on condition of anonymity informed Herald that even though there was no threat from any angle, nothing can be ruled out as Sarvajanik Ganesh mandals are considered as soft targets by anti-social elements.
However, unsuspecting devotees entering Chaudi pandal are taken aback after seeing some strong pose of policemen guarding the entry gate, while at most other times the metal detectors are kept unmanned.
Interestingly, Sarvajanik Ganesh mandal at Char Rasta, which is close to Palolem beach and visited by hundreds of people on a single day, has no metal detectors installed by police.
Meanwhile, donation coupons of Char Rasta Sarvajanik Ganeshosthav Mandal, which carries a Wagon-R car as one of the prizes, are totally sold on the second day of Ganesh festival (Monday).