PRAYAGRAJ, June 11 -- Amid frequent thefts targeting temples and shrines in rural areas, the Kaushambi district administration and police are preparing a comprehensive security plan involving local communities to safeguard religious sites. The proposed initiative envisages activating Gram Suraksha Samitis (village security committees) as the first line of vigilance for temples and other places of worship. Installation of CCTV cameras at vulnerable religious sites is also being planned, while the administration is exploring the deployment of priests and security personnel at temples lacking regular supervision. Gram pradhans are expected to play a key role in overseeing security arrangements and coordinating with local authorities, district officials said. Kaushambi has witnessed frequent temple thefts in recent months, with officials estimating three to four such incidents occur every month. Most cases involve the theft of brass bells and other metal objects, crimes that police say result not only in financial loss but also hurt the religious sentiments of local residents. Confirming the proposed measures, superintendent of police (SP), Kaushambi, Satyanarayan Prajapati said responsibility for temple security would be shared by the police and village security committees. "The village security committees already constituted in villages will be activated. Station house officers have been directed to hold meetings with gram pradhans and respected members of the community. With the cooperation of village heads, CCTV cameras will be installed at religious sites," he said. According to the SP, enhanced surveillance will not only strengthen temple security but also help curb theft and other criminal activities in villages. Police officials said investigations into recent theft cases indicate that the offenders are often local residents, including substance abusers, rather than organised gangs operating from outside the district....