PANAJI
With over a lakh pilgrims/visitors expected during the ongoing novenas leading up to the feast of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa, two bomb detection and disposal teams from Maharashtra and Karnataka have arrived to assist the State police as part of security check.
As many as 250 armed staff are deployed in each of the two shifts at the venue, accompanied by the continuous presence of one Superintendent of Police and Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The nine-day long novenas to St Francis Xavier feast commenced on Saturday.
Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Nidhin Valsan informed that two bomb detection and disposal teams, one each from Maharashtra and Karnataka have reported to Goa to assist the State police for anti-sabotage check duties in view of novenas, feast and closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
The annual IFFI will conclude on November 28.
Rector of Basilica of Bom Jesus, Father Patricio Fernandes said that the church authorities were informed by the police that due to the ongoing Palestine conflict, there could be some security threat.
