Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has stepped up security arrangements for the upcoming festive season in Bhubaneswar, with CCTV surveillance at puja pandals and the deployment of plainclothes personnel planned to prevent crime and ensure smooth crowd management, a senior police officer said on Wednesday.
Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dr Saravana Vivek M said police would identify vulnerable locations based on incidents reported during previous festive seasons and intensify patrolling and surveillance in those areas.
“We will review the security situation for the upcoming festive season and take necessary measures. Places that were identified as vulnerable during previous festive seasons will be kept under special surveillance, and additional patrolling will be carried out in those areas,” the DCP said.
The police have already held meetings with puja committees and organisers and instructed them to ensure adequate security arrangements at the pandals. Installation of CCTV cameras at the pandals will be mandatory, he said.
“CCTV coverage will be ensured at the pandals. We have already discussed the security arrangements with the organisers, and they will have to install CCTV cameras as part of the security measures,” DCP Saravana Vivek said.
Plainclothes police personnel will also be deployed at different puja pandals to keep a close watch on suspicious activities, monitor crowds and prevent crimes, particularly chain-snatching and other offences targeting women.
The DCP said photographs of habitual offenders and persons previously involved in snatching cases would be circulated among police personnel to help identify and monitor them during the festive period.
Police have also stepped up action against persons involved in forcibly collecting donations during the festive season. All police stations have been instructed to keep a close watch on such activities and take strict action against those found violating the law.
“Strict action will be taken against those involved in forcibly collecting donations. All police stations have been instructed to remain vigilant and take action as per law,” the DCP said.
Special surveillance will also be maintained on criminals from outside the state, he added.
Police officials will coordinate with inspectors-in-charge (IICs) and senior officers to assess requirements at different locations and prepare deployment plans accordingly.
The Commissionerate Police has also advised puja committees to prioritise the safety and security of devotees and ensure proper arrangements at their respective pandals.
DCP Saravana Vivek M said enhanced patrolling, CCTV surveillance and the deployment of police personnel would continue throughout the festive season to ensure the safety and security of the public.
