By IANS
Mumbai : The famous Siddhivinayak temple in central Mumbai Monday stopped accepting garlands and coconuts from devotees citing terrorist threats to the shrine.
"We have banned the offering of garlands and coconuts to Lord Ganesha from today as a precaution for the temple's safety following police reports of a new threat perception," Hanumant Balwant Jagtap, the CEO of Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir Nyas (Prabhadevi) Trust, told IANS.
Jagtap said security was also being beefed up in and around the temple premises.
"We have installed closed-circuit television cameras and put up a bullet proof wall surrounding the sanctum sanctorum. Along with the police we are also increasing the number of security personnel and taking other measures," Jagtap said.
Asked about any specific threat, he said: "We have been asked by the police not to accept big garlands and coconuts from devotees. So we have put a ban on these offerings until further notice."
A police official said the temple figured high on the "hit list" of terrorist groups and that the decision to ban garlands and coconuts was a precautionary measure.
"The Siddhivinayak temple figures high on the terrorist hit lit. We are taking this precautionary measure for the security and safety of the temple and safety of the thousands who visit it daily," the official said.
"We have requested the temple authorities not to let in devotees with offerings of garlands and coconuts."
The temple, which is also frequented by Bollywood celebrities, has been under heavy security cover from April.
Police sources told IANS that the State Reserved Police and commandoes were involved in providing day and night security to the temple.
"A re-enforced concrete wall has been built around the temple. We installed X-ray machines and metal detectors in April to check the people entering the temple. Cameras have been fixed at the temple premises," the official said.