Bhubaneswar, 01 November (H.S.): Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across Kendrapada town and other strategic locations for the Lakshmi Puja Bhasani (immersion procession) and Melana, being organised as part of the centenary celebrations of the district’s historic Lakshmi Puja.

More than 30 platoons of police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order, regulate crowds and ensure the safety of devotees and visitors during the celebrations. Additional responsibilities have been assigned to senior officers, including Additional Superintendents of Police, Deputy Superintendents of Police, Inspectors and other personnel, to ensure effective coordination and round-the-clock vigilance.

Inspector General of Police, Central Range, Cuttack, Dr Satyajit Naik, IPS, and Kendrapada Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kataria, IPS, are personally supervising the security arrangements on the ground. The two senior officers are visiting key locations to review police deployment, monitor crowd management and guide field personnel to ensure an immediate response to any emerging situation.

Special police teams have been deployed at sensitive and crowded locations. Mobile patrolling units, striking forces and plainclothes personnel are maintaining continuous surveillance to prevent any untoward incident.

The police have also made arrangements for traffic regulation, designated parking zones and the smooth movement of pedestrians to facilitate the participation of devotees. CCTV cameras and other technological measures are being used to strengthen surveillance and ensure a swift response in case of an emergency.

Police personnel have been directed to remain alert and maintain close coordination with Puja Committees, volunteers and other concerned departments throughout the celebrations.

The Kendrapada district police have appealed to devotees, Puja Committees and the general public to maintain discipline, cooperate with the police, follow traffic advisories and adhere to parking restrictions. People have also been urged not to believe or circulate rumours and to report any suspicious activity immediately to the nearest police personnel.

The district police administration said it is committed to ensuring the peaceful, safe and orderly conduct of the centenary Lakshmi Puja Bhasani and Melana through comprehensive security arrangements, proactive policing and effective coordination.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda