Rajasthan police to have it tough

The Rajasthan police will go through a trying time in the coming week, which will test not only its capability in maintaining law and order, but also its nerves, cool and tolerance.

From January 25, a host of events - some of which can take ugly forms - are expected to be underway.

The much debated movie Padmaavat is set to release on January 25 as the Apex Court has given its order. The Karni Sena has already been asking for a ban and has declared that it will use force if needed against cinema owners also if needed. While cinema owners might back out on this, the Jaipur police is surely going to have its hands full. However, Commissioner Sanjay Agarwal appears unfazed. "We have already said that we will take strict action against those who take law and order in their hand. At the moment we are studying and observing (as to how the situation can develop) and if needed additional forces will be deployed" the commissioner emphasized while speaking to DNA.

However, it is just not the movie that is going to be released. With the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) is also two Days away, and the Jaipur police is in a tight spot. "Yes it will be difficult and trying times for us primarily due to the security concerns at JLF and with the movie issue. Elaborate plans have been made in this regard and we will not let law and order be destroyed" another senior commissionerate official said, requesting anonymity.

Interestingly, a few days from today the bypolls for Ajmer and Alwar Lok Sabha Constituencies and Mandalgarh assembly constituencies will be held, for which the respective district police will have to make arrangements. However, due to the ongoing issue, the police is keeping a close vigil on developments. "There is a saying with the department - although we do our utmost, you are never always fully prepared. We do not suspect any issue to hinder the polling process, however we are not taking it easy also. The issue about Padmaavat affecting the D-day was also discussed and several steps have been taken in that direction," an official in the police department said.

Amid apprehensions and tension, Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Katariya maintained that the court order will be respected. "No one will be allowed to take law in their hand. The court order will be followed properly. Moreover we will provide adequate security during JLF and to Prasoon Joshi if he asks for it" Katariya said.