Bhubaneswar, Sept. 5: Security has been tightened at Chakakapada and Jalespata ashrams in Kandhamal for VHP leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati's seventh death anniversary and Janmashtami. No major untoward incident has been reported from the district till the filing of the report.

Laxmanananda was gunned down on Janmashtami in 2008, allegedly for spreading hatred in the district and disturbing communal harmony. The assailants had also gunned down four of his disciples. Maoists had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Following his death, the district had witnessed a communal riot in which 39 people were killed. Nearly 4,800 houses were burnt. More than 8,000 cases were lodged against people for inciting the riots. The state had constituted a judicial commission to probe into the riots. The commission is yet to submit its report.

Underlying tension is still palpable in many pockets of the communally sensitive district where a large number of Christians live.

"Two platoons of police have been deployed near the ashram. The vehicles coming to the district are being checked. Security has been tightened at all sensitive points," said a senior district official.

Swami Chidananda Saraswati, a disciple of Laxmanananda and the current head of the ashram, said: "All arrangements have been made to observe the death anniversary of the seer. Seers from different parts of the country reached the ashram to participate in the celebration." Rituals like sankirtan, nama yajna, ghruta yajna and peace rally were organised to commemorate his death.

State BJP vice-president Pratap Sarangi said: "The state government lacks the zeal to arrest the culprits."