Patna: In the wake of the tragic stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata that claimed 19 lives, police in Bihar have tightened security at pandals across the state. Police Headquarters has issued a statewide alert directing all SPs and SSPs to strengthen crowd control and safety arrangements at major pandals.From barricading and separate entry and exit points to additional forces, CCTV surveillance and regular announcements, police have stepped up preventive measures. Special vigil is being maintained in Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur and Darbhanga, where lakhs of devotees are expected during Durga Puja.In Patna, around 2,000 additional police personnel and 14 companies of special police and paramilitary forces have been deployed during the remaining days of Durga Puja and idol immersion. Police personnel and magistrates have been stationed at crowded locations, including Dak Bungalow Chowk, Gandhi Maidan, Boring Road, Bailey Road and Patna City.According to Bihar Police Headquarters, “Surveillance has been intensified using drones and CCTV cameras installed at more than 53 sensitive locations. Twenty-five DSP-rank officers have been assigned responsibilities for security management. Special teams are monitoring incidents of chain snatching, harassment and rumour-mongering, while plainclothes personnel and mobile patrols have been deployed to keep a close watch on crowds.”Traffic restrictions have also been imposed in view of the Gwalior accident. Heavy vehicles, including trucks, hyvas, mixer dumpers and construction-material carriers, have been barred from key inner-city routes until Vijayadashami. Vehicles approaching from Danapur, Khagaul and the bypass are being diverted through alternative routes to reduce risks near crowded pandals.In Bhagalpur, the fire department has prohibited havan rituals inside pandals and directed organisers to conduct them at safe locations outside. The order follows concerns over open flames, decorative fabrics and other combustible materials in crowded enclosures.In Lakhisarai, DM Shailendra Kumar and SP Prerna Kumar led a flag march involving police personnel, women police officers and senior officials. The SP said, “All Puja committees had been instructed to install CCTV cameras and ensure adequate fire-safety arrangements. Playing DJ music during the celebrations has been completely prohibited.”In Sitamarhi, DM Tanay Sultania and SP Amit Ranjan led a flag march and inspected several pandals, warning of strict action against those disturbing public order, spreading rumours or creating trouble during the festivities.
