Indore police have announced a heightened security plan for crowded markets and vulnerable locations ahead of Diwali, combining drone surveillance, stronger CCTV monitoring, intensive checks and continuous police presence throughout the festive period.
Police commissioner Santosh Kumar Singh has directed officers to deploy teams in major commercial areas, crime hotspots and sensitive locations, including shadow areas identified as vulnerable to street crime and theft. Beat and micro-beat policing will be strengthened as markets prepare for increased footfall and higher-value cash and goods transactions.
Police officers have also been instructed to maintain a continuous presence in crowded market areas during the festive period. The plan includes surveillance of habitual offenders and anti-social elements, along with preventive and bound-over action against people identified as potential threats to public order.
Authorities will regularly monitor habitual offenders involved in serious crimes and people linked to drug networks. Officers have additionally been asked to improve the use of digital evidence and electronic investigation tools in criminal cases, although the police announcement did not specify the locations or number of drones and additional personnel to be deployed.
CCTV surveillance will be strengthened around markets and commercial establishments. The focus is on areas where the festival period typically brings together dense crowds, increased retail activity, cash transactions and high-value goods. Police have been directed to use surveillance and field checks alongside visible deployment rather than rely on a single monitoring system.
Firecracker markets will be inspected separately for compliance with safety norms. Designated shops must have fire extinguishers, sand and adequate water arrangements. Authorities will also check for illegal storage of firecrackers in residential areas, where unauthorised stockpiling could create risks for residents and nearby buildings.
The administration has permitted a maximum of 50 temporary firecracker shops at a single ground. Designated locations have been identified across Indore and its outskirts, while sub-divisional magistrates have been instructed to conduct regular and surprise inspections of the markets. The sale of carbide guns has been prohibited.
The security plan will remain focused on visible police deployment, surveillance of vulnerable pockets, preventive action against identified offenders and safety checks at firecracker markets throughout the festive period.
