The police are taking all necessary steps to ensure the smooth conduct of Ganeshothsava, said Belagavi Police Commissioner Prakash Nikam in the district on Sunday (September 13).
“Strict measures are being taken to prevent any untoward incidents during the Ganeshotsava celebrations. Security personnel are being deployed in two phases for the festival. The police will handle security duties from September 13 to 24 and again from September 25 to 27,” he told reporters.
“In the first phase, three DCPs, 6 ACPs, 23 PIs, 44 PSIs, 155 ASIs, and 1,300 police personnel will be on duty. Additionally, 400 police personnel from other zones and 400 Home Guard personnel will be deployed. There will also be 10 KSRP platoons, 10 CAR platoons, and one Rapid Action Force unit,” he said.
A total of 1,260 CCTV cameras have been installed at strategic locations across Belagavi city. A special surveillance system has been set up by installing DVS/AVS cameras at 32 locations in the city, Mr. Nikam added. “At least two police personnel will be deployed in three shifts at the pandals where public Ganesha idols are installed. Nineteen check-posts will be set up in the city to keep a watch on suspicious individuals and vehicles,” he stated.
“The festival will be held for 12 days this year, with the idol immersion procession taking place on September 25. As a precautionary measure to ensure law and order remains undisturbed during the festival, 24 ‘rowdy-sheeters’ and anti-social elements have been externed from Belagavi district to other districts,” he stated.
