Pune cop asks Ganesha mandals to stay alert of terrorism activities

State director general of police, Ajit Parasnis, on Sunday said crowded places could be targeted by terrorists during the Ganeshotsav in the state and members of Ganesh mandals should keep a watch in their areas.

He was speaking during the prize distribution ceremony of the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganapati Trust at Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch, Swargate.

Parasnis requested all Ganesh mandals to work with the police. He said, “There are about 40,000 Ganesh mandals in the state. If two workers of each mandal work with the police, the state police would get 80,000 ‘police workers’,” he said, adding that all these workers would do patrolling along with the police during the festival.

According to Parasnis, the Pune police hold meetings with the mandals at the police stations concerned and the police are briefing them on security measures.

He requested citizens to co-operate during the festival. He said, “The citizens should inform the police about any untoward or suspicious movement during festival in the city,” adding that the mandals have to follow the instructions  given by the police.
Among the dignitaries present was Pune mayor, Mohansingh Rajpal.