Raniganj: After a gap of eight years, Raniganj’s Mahavir Jhanda Akhara procession returned to its traditional route in West Burdwan on Monday.The procession had been diverted after communal violence during Ram Navami celebrations in 2018. This year, the administration has granted permission for the historic Akhara to pass through its old route, with heightened security arrangements in place to prevent any untoward incident.More than 700 police personnel were deployed across Raniganj and adjoining areas to maintain law and order during the celebrations on Monday.A senior police officer said 10 Akharas are slated to participate in the procession, which will begin around 9 pm on Monday and continue till midnight. The procession route will pass through Shivmandir, Rajabandh More, Churipatti and Tilak Road.“Police personnel have been deployed, route marches are continuing, CCTV cameras have been installed at sensitive locations, social media monitoring will be carried out and drone surveillance will remain in place during the procession. No weapons or dummy weapons will be allowed,” a police officer said.
