By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Patna Police have finalised security arrangements for Durga Puja, with officers and personnel deployed from pandals to roads and key locations starting from Wednesday. Tight security measures have been implemented throughout Patna district, including the deployment of one company each from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Bihar Military Police (BMP).
Additionally, around 5,000 police officers and personnel will be on duty. Half of the RAF company will be stationed in Patna City, and the other half in the Phulwarisharif area, both considered sensitive. Moreover, 200 Quick Mobile and Dial 112 vehicles will be deployed at various points to enhance security.
To address incidents of mobile and chain snatching often perpetrated by miscreants on bikes during the festival, and to tackle theft by organised women’s gangs, a separate team has been formed. These women’s gangs, which include members from Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, are known to operate in Patna during Durga Puja. The special team, dressed in plain clothes, will monitor these gangs around the pandals. The police will also monitor parking areas to prevent bike thefts, which have been a recurring issue as people visit pandals.
CCTV cameras have been installed from the roads leading to the pandals, and those in and around major pandals are connected to the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) for real-time monitoring. The Patna Police’s social media cell is also active, keeping a 24-hour watch on online activities. Immediate action will be taken if any objectionable posts are detected.
All police station in-charges, sub-inspectors, and personnel have been instructed to patrol around the clock. City SPs and DSPs will oversee patrolling officers and track their locations to ensure they are at their designated posts. Senior officers will also conduct checks to confirm that officers and personnel are fulfilling their duties. “Security preparations for Durga Puja are complete, and all police officers have been briefed,” said Rajiv Mishra, DIG-cum-SSP Patna. “Approximately five thousand officers and personnel will be deployed.”
