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Tight security in Hyderabad for Ganesh immersion

Syed Amin Jafri in Hyderabad

The civic authorities are making elaborate arrangements for the peaceful conduct of the main Ganesh immersion procession in the city slated for Tuesday.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner S R Sukumar said the measures were taken in view of the incidents that marred the procession last year.

About 12,000 Ganesh idols of varying sizes will be taken in a procession for immersion at Hussainsagar lake, Saroornagar and Hashmatpet tanks. Tens of thousands of people, including those from neighbouring districts, are expected to participate. The main procession which starts from the outskirts is slated to cross the Charminar area in the communally sensitive old city by noon.

As part of the bandobast, about 500 armed pickets are being posted at sensitive places in the city, 150 mobile patrol parties equipped with wireless sets, anti-sabotage teams and sniffer dogs are being pressed into service to sterilise the procession routes. An aerial vigil will also be maintained on the procession.

Carrying of stones and sticks, burning of crackers or making provocative speeches are strictly prohibited, the commissioner pointed out. So far 783 rowdy-sheeters have been directed to give attendance at police stations and surveillance has been increased on the movements of anti-social elements.

Besides the 8,000 police personnel from the city, 10 superintendents/additional superintendents of police, 25 DSPs, 85 circle-inspectors and about 5,000 police personnel from other districts are being deployed in the state capital. The force will include 110 armed platoons, one company of Rapid Action Force and four companies of the Central Reserve Police Force.

Senior officials from various departments including Hyderabad District Collector Rajeswar Tiwari, Municipal Commissioner P K Mohanty and Joint Commissioner of Police S R Tiwari are supervising the arrangements.

Thirty cranes, besides platforms, boats and swimmers, will be deployed for the immersion of idols.

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