LUCKNOW, July 2 -- Amid the ongoing SIT investigations into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the UP government is further strengthening security of three important religious places as it has decided to buy 42 bullet-resistant (BR) Morcha or bullet-resistant protective shields for Ayodhya, Gorakhpur and Varanasi. "...Governor is pleased to give administrative and financial sanction to buy 42 BR Morcha with a cost of Rs 1,40,70,000 for the security of three important places Ayodhya, Gorakhpur and Varanasi," said special secretary, home, Annavi Dineshkumar in an order dated June 30, 2026 sent to the ADG police headquarters. According to the order, the 42 items of BR Morcha would be bought after completing the formalities required to purchase equipment as per the MSME department's order dated November 26, 2026. No senior officers from Ayodhya, Gorakhpur and Varanasi were available for comment. The government has also given go ahead to buy 10 vehicle mounted X-ray baggage scanners to further strengthen security of VVIPs in UP. htc...