Security tightened ahead of Ganesh immersion
Hyderabad:With Ganesh idol immersions scheduled till September 6, Hyderabad police have stepped up security, particularly in sensitive areas. Flag marches have commenced across the south, south east and south west zones, led by circle inspectors with ACPs and the Rapid Action Force.
Mehdipatnam police conducted a march covering Mehdipatnam, Asif Nagar, KGN X Road, Mallepally Junction, Al-Saba X Roads and Marjaan Hotel. Similar marches were carried out by Santoshnagar and Hussaini Alam police on Friday night. “We interacted with people, asked them not to believe in rumours, verify information and dial 100 in emergencies,” police officials said.
City police commissioner C.V. Anand reviewed arrangements with south zone officials at Purani Haveli on Saturday. “We have identified lapses from previous years and are taking extra precautions on law and order, given the Milad un Nabi festival and Ganesh immersions,” Anand said. The Milad-un-Nabi procession has been deferred to September 14.
He said an action plan was prepared for the speedy transportation of idols, with specific instructions to officials. In a separate review at the north zone DCP office, Anand asked police and volunteers to maintain vigilance to prevent idol theft and ensure peaceful immersion. He suggested giving priority to idols from mixed localities and ordered surveillance on habitual offenders and troublemakers.
“Teams have been told to provide police escorts for idol vehicles coming from Cyberabad and Rachakonda commissionerates too. Organisers were asked to stay present at pandals even at night,” he added. Later, Anand conducted surprise inspections at pandals in the north zone, interacted with organisers and volunteers and reviewed security arrangements.
