Kolkata Police will deploy its entire force across the city during Durga Puja, with heightened surveillance and coordinated operations planned from Mahalaya on October 10 to Dashami on October 21, as large crowds are expected to visit pandals and major thoroughfares.
According to officials at Kolkata Police headquarters, security arrangements will cover the city’s main roads as well as narrow lanes and areas around puja pandals. A senior police official said there would be no compromise on security during the festivities and that personnel normally assigned to administrative duties could also be deployed on the streets if required.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand recently inspected several puja pandals with senior officers. During the visits, Nand directed officials to ensure that disorder was not allowed during the celebrations, according to the report. Another senior police official said ensuring the safety of residents during major festivals was standard practice for the force and would remain a priority this year.
The Intelligence Department has already intensified its operations, with particular attention being paid to people considered suspicious while loitering in festival areas. The report did not specify the number of personnel being deployed or identify particular locations where additional security measures would be concentrated.
All departments of Kolkata Police are expected to work in coordination throughout the festival period. The Radio Flying Squad and Heavy Radio Flying Squad will be deployed as required, while wireless communication systems are being prioritised for coordination between teams operating across the city.
The police will also activate various equipped units and work to improve the operational efficiency of its ambulances and radio transmission vehicles. Senior police officers are expected to remain on the streets alongside operational teams during the celebrations.
The control room at Kolkata Police headquarters will remain active throughout the festival. Personnel have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance as large crowds gather across Kolkata, with the stated objective of preventing untoward incidents during the period from Mahalaya to Dashami.
