Bhubaneswar, 30 September (H.S.): The Commissionerate Police has intensified security preparations for the upcoming festive season in the capital city, with enhanced CCTV surveillance, deployment of plainclothes personnel and increased patrolling planned at vulnerable locations to prevent crime and ensure smooth crowd management.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Bhubaneswar, Dr Saravana Vivek M said the police would identify vulnerable locations based on incidents reported during previous festive seasons and put such areas under enhanced surveillance.

“We will review the security situation for the upcoming festive season and take all necessary measures. Locations identified as vulnerable during previous festive seasons will be kept under special surveillance, with additional patrolling in those areas,” the DCP said.

The police have already held meetings with puja committees and organisers and directed them to make adequate security arrangements at their respective pandals. Installation of CCTV cameras at puja 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 various puja pandals to monitor suspicious activities, keep a close watch on crowds and prevent crimes, particularly chain-snatching and offences targeting women.

The DCP said photographs of habitual offenders and persons previously involved in snatching cases would be circulated among police personnel to facilitate their identification and monitoring during the festive period.

The police have also stepped up action against individuals involved in forcibly collecting donations during the festive season. All police stations have been directed to closely monitor such activities and take strict legal action against anyone 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 security requirements at different locations and prepare deployment plans accordingly.

The Commissionerate Police has advised puja committees to accord priority to the safety and security of devotees and ensure proper arrangements at their respective pandals.

DCP Saravana Vivek said enhanced patrolling, CCTV surveillance and deployment of police personnel would continue throughout the festive season to ensure the safety and security of the public.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda