Octopus team for Tirumala security

Tirupati, Sept 12 :

 The State Director General of Police S S P Yadav on Saturday launched the 45 member exclusive wing of OCTOPUS to fight terrorist activities operating in the abode of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirupala.

Inaugurating the wing, the DGP stated that the OCTOPUS wing would protect the temple premises from terrorist activities. The Anti-Terror Wing was mooted as the pilgrim centre witness heavy rush of pilgrims during nine days of Brahmotsavams.

The government would set up two more teams to increase security to the temple, he added. In the wake of criticism from political leaders that Mr Yadav should have gone to the accident site much earlier, Yadav said the allegations were baseless.

A few Cabinet ministers have sought action against the DGP for the alleged failure in dealing with the circumstances that led to the crash, the search operations and in providing security for the funeral. However, Mr Yadav, said the allegations were baseless and alleged that media is targeting to tarnish my image.