The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Security revamped at Gandhi Bhavan

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Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Security revamped at Gandhi Bhavan

The State Congress headquarters lacks basic fire safety measures
Water fetched from nearby toilet to put off the fire during MRPS attack

— Photo: G. Krishnaswamy

For a change: Gandhi Bhavan wears a deserted look on Tuesday as the party leaders were camping in New Delhi.

HYDERABAD: As Gandhi Bhavan, the Congress party headquarters, wore a deserted look with party hopefuls making a beeline to New Delhi to try their luck for the tickets, it was time for thorough revamp of security.

After Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti (MRPS) workers made a vain bid to set ablaze the party headquarters on February 27, security was tightened so much so that none could gain entry inside for the next three days.

A similar situation was witnessed on Monday and Tuesday when Gandhi Bhavan was abandoned as the aspirants along with their supporters rushed to New Delhi. Barring three or four office-bearers, none of the leaders or elected representatives could be seen in the party office.

The usual hustle and bustle was lacking. The hassle-free atmosphere gave party leaders an opportunity to take look at the security measures.

They found out that the historical building, managed by Gandhi Bhavan Trust, lacked basic fire safety measures.

The entire building did not have a single fire extinguisher.

Even on the fateful day (February 27), when MRPS cadres poured kerosene and tried to set afire the office, the security personnel had to fetch buckets of water from the nearby toilet to put of the fire.

A senior APCC functionary said that plans were afoot to install at least four fire extinguishers to prevent MRPS type attack.

Notwithstanding the low turnout, police presence was stepped up. Six newly deployed private security personnel, who screened every visitor including the journalists, were also posted at the entrance. Special Police officers assisted them in security duties.

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Andhra Pradesh