Security has been heightened at the Ardh Kumbh Mela and around locations that draw crowds in Haridwar, following the arrest of four youths suspected of having links to terror outfits on Wednesday night. PTI reported they were allegedly planning to attack the area where the mela is being held. They were arrested by a joint team of the Delhi Police Special Cell and Uttarakhand Police from Manglour town in Haridwar.

According to Inspector General of Police GS Martolia, who is in charge of security for the event, all vehicles entering Haridwar were being inspected and temples were under CCTV surveillance. He added that senior policemen and bomb disposal squads were on constant vigil, while patrolling and security checks at locations along with border with neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh has also been amped up. Police visited Laksar Railway Station near Roorkee and all check posts and police stations between Laksar and Haridwar to ensure that security arrangements were in order.

The four accused, all between the18 and 22 years of age, were reportedly also planning to target trains bringing pilgrims to the district. They were identified as Akhlaq-ur-Rehman, Mohammed Osama, Mohammed Azim Shah and Mohamad Mehraj. Special Commissioner of the Delhi Police Special Cell Arvind Deep said it was too early to ascertain which terror group they belonged to.