Jamshedpur: The district police have tightened its belts and made special security arrangements at the prominent marketplaces in the steel city as a run up for Diwali.
As a unique step, the police have deployed Quick Response Teams at Sakchi, Golmuri, Bistupur, and Mango markets from Sunday in view of the unprecedented rush there. The QRT personnel, which also include women are equipped with wireless sets, batons and pistols.
A police official said that the QRT which is a part of the district police will remain deployed at the four markets from today till Tuesday, the day the festival of light will be celebrated. He pointed out that the move has been taken in accordance with the instruction of the senior superintendent of police.
“We have identified the sensitive teams where the special focus would be laid. In all four teams, each of 30 police personnel will be engaged in each of the markets. When a section of the team will remain static at strategic points in a market, another section will keep moving inside the marketplace during these three days,” said the police official.
According to the official, the QRT forces have been raised by giving them special training to cope up with emergency situations in crowded public places, especially at marketplaces prior to festival and puja occasion.
“Such forces are given special training to remain vigilant against pickpockets, purse and chain snatchers and frauds who get active in making their attempts on those who come to the markets for shopping,” said the senior police officer.
According to the official, the QRT forces will also be looking into the matters involving traffic snarls and congestion caused in the crowded marketplaces, and will ensure smooth passage to the people who visit the market for the shopping.
“We are not taking any chances and are monitoring the situation minutely. Even those walking on the roads could be searched or frisked anytime by the policemen,” the official said.
He urged the area residents to pass on every information concerning anti-social elements and their activities. On getting vital information, the police would act swiftly and would also recommend appropriate reward for the informant, he said. He urged the area residents to cooperate with the police checking vehicles during the wee hours or late in the night.
While the deployment of security forces is appreciated, area residents also expected the police to take some steps to tackle the traffic problems that crop up during the festive season. The traffic policemen said they had intensified towing of vehicles parked wrongly on roadsides, especially on the busy roads and in markets.