Cops draw 'dandas' for 'dandiya'

With Navratri drawing near, the city police have started working on the bandobast for the various venues that will lure thousands of garba revellers during the nine nights.

Enthusiasts gathering in huge numbers for the gay festivity could easily fall prey to terrorist attack, and it is to minimise the possibility of any such mishap occurring in the city that the city police have got on their toes.

Joint commissioner of police, special branch, GS Malik told DNA there is an additional requirement of around 800 police officials in the city for the Navratri bandobast. “We have asked for more police personnel to efficiently deal with any crisis that may strike the city; we are waiting for response,” Malik said.

This apart, a circular has also been issued by the police commissioner according to which garba timing for this year will be limited to 12 am. It also states that any organiser violating the order will be prosecuted. “The timings will have to be adhered for us to manage the crowd,” said a senior cop.

A source in the police said that the organisers have also been asked to check people at the gates as well as during the celebration. Moreover, a few police personnel will also be deployed at every garba event to monitor any suspicious move or check any suspicious belongings in the crowd.

“At every event, some police personnel will be deployed to keep tabs on any suspicious movement related to terrorist attacks and unruly behaviour,” a source in the police said. As every year, female police personnel will also be present at the garba venues.

The local police are also readying security measures at garba venues under their jurisdiction. “We are putting in all efforts to handle the Vibrant Gujarat Navratri celebration at the university ground,” said Brijeshkumar Jha, deputy commissioner of police, Zone I.