Ranchi: Ranchi and Khunti police will deploy drones, set up watchtowers and use CCTV cameras to monitor crowds and keep a check on criminal elements during Durga Puja.Sources said Ranchi police had already served notices to more than 1,000 people under Section 126 of the BNSS to ensure good behaviour during the festive period.Reviewing the preparations on Monday, Ranchi SSP Rakesh Ranjan directed all police station in-charges to visit pandals and ensure compliance with the safety guidelines issued by the district administration.He said, “Puja committees have been instructed to install adequate numbers of CCTV cameras with sufficient storage capacity, which will be monitored round the clock to detect any suspicious activity.”The SSP also directed the deployment of adequate police personnel and quick reaction teams at major pandals and key city roads. The Shakti Commando unit will also be deployed to enhance women’s safety and prevent crimes targeting women.Ranjan told TOI on Tuesday that watchtowers would be installed along heavily crowded roads and at major intersections to provide police with a better vantage point to monitor crowd movement and respond to emergencies.“Drones would also be used for crowd management, although their effectiveness is limited to daytime operations,” he said.Khunti SP Rishabh Garg instructed police officers to remain in regular contact with puja committees, community leaders and volunteers through WhatsApp groups to help maintain peace and communal harmony during the festival.He also stressed the need for close monitoring of sensitive locations through CCTV surveillance and drones.
