Jamshedpur: Elaborate security arrangements have been made in the Steel City to prevent any untoward incidents during Holi. The administration has deployed 2000 police personnel comprising 800 cops for urban areas and 1200 for rural areas. It has also set up 12 teams to keep an eye on trouble-mongers.
All police stations of East Singhbhum have been asked to take measures to prevent hooligans from creating law and order problem on the festival day. Cops have been directed to keep an eye on people who roam in the streets after consuming liquor and create nuisance.
�Small-time criminals cross the limits on the pretext of Holi celebration and many a time this creates law and order problem for the police. Keeping in mind about the possible scenario we have asked the officer in-charge�s of the police stations to carry out arms checking exercise and pace up patrolling for the next couple of days,� said a senior police officer.
Magistrates, police officers, including constables, have been deployed in large numbers to maintain peace and harmony in sensitive areas like Jugsalai, Mango, Sakchi and Dhatkidih.
The police officials said that strict security would be in place for the festival of colours and those indulging in mischief in the garb of revelry would be taken to task.
Meanwhile, the city police department is working hard in keeping a stringent vigilance on eve-teasers during Holi, as incidents of eve-teasing and passing lewd comments on girls and women are reported the most during this season. Cops in plainclothes have been deployed for a watchful eye on crowds especially youths, who indulge in eve-teasing.
�We are also carrying out search operations at different hotels and lodges to nab suspected people. Moreover extra vigil is also being kept at the border areas of the district,� said Ajay Linda, City SP.
The district administration has banned the sale of liquor during the festival to ensure peaceful celebrations. Contacted, an official said, “We have ordered liquor shops and bars to remain closed on 2nd March. Moreover transportation of liquor too, has been banned during this period. The administration has made elaborate arrangements to ensure peace during Holi�.
He went on to add that the move which will stop people from driving while consuming alcohol, consumption of liquor in public, buying and even transporting liquor from one place to another has been banned.
A senior police officer said that playing loud music after 10 pm has also been banned in silent zones like hospitals and residential colonies. Ambulance facilities will also be made available in emergency cases by dialing police control room number 100.
Sources said there will be no entry for heavy vehicles on the day of Holi.