10000 Extra Police Deployed in Kolkata During Puja 2024 to Manage Festivities and Protests
10000 Extra Police Deployed in Kolkata During Puja 2024 to Manage Festivities and Protests. As Kolkata gears up for the Durga Puja festivities, security has been tightened across the city. Lalbazar, the headquarters of Kolkata Police, is pulling out all stops to ensure a safe and smooth celebration. With the anticipated large crowds and traffic snarls, an additional 10,000 police personnel will be deployed throughout the city. However, this year, there’s an added concern—the possibility of protests in response to the RG Kar incident. To manage both festivities and protests, 200 police pickets have been strategically set up in various parts of the city.
10000 Extra Police Deployed in Kolkata During Puja 2024 to Manage Festivities and Protests
During the Durga Puja, Kolkata’s streets are always crowded, and managing the heavy footfall is a daunting task for the police. Last year, around 8,000 additional police officers were deployed during the Puja. This year, the number has been increased to 10,000. Additionally, 4,000 traffic police officers and 5,500 home guards will also be on duty to manage traffic flow and maintain law and order.
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The police are not just focused on crowd control. With ongoing tensions related to the RG Kar incident, there are concerns about protests or rallies disrupting the festive atmosphere. To mitigate any potential unrest, 200 police pickets will be stationed at key locations across the city, particularly near large Puja pandals.
Protest Anticipation and Police Readiness
In recent weeks, large protests have taken place in several areas of Kolkata, including Shyambazar, RG Kar, College Square, and Jadavpur. These areas are also home to some of the city’s biggest Puja celebrations, making them potential hotspots for further unrest. The police pickets have been placed in anticipation of any unauthorized gatherings or protests during the Puja days.
According to Lalbazar sources, the police are closely monitoring any requests for rallies or processions in the coming days. If someone applies for permission, the police will be prepared to manage the event by setting specific guidelines regarding the starting points, routes, and expected duration of any march. The real challenge, however, is managing unauthorized gatherings, which could escalate quickly.
Crowd and Traffic Management: A Major Challenge
Kolkata’s Police Commissioner Manoj Verma emphasized that controlling the large crowds and maintaining order during Puja is a significant challenge. The police force is fully prepared to handle any situation, whether it’s managing heavy traffic or dealing with potential protests. “Unapproved gatherings or rallies cause a lot of trouble. We have made all necessary preparations to prevent any law and order issues during the festival,” a senior officer at Lalbazar stated.
The police are determined to ensure that both the festive spirit and public safety are maintained. Extra personnel will be deployed in each division, with the aim of keeping the peace on the streets and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable Puja for all.
