As preparations are under way for the big Ganeshotsav festival, Belagavi police have beefed up security around the city. There is also a police parade of rowdy-sheeters at the city’s Police Parade Ground early in the morning on this day, and the police warned against any disturbance to the mood of the celebrations.
The parade was organized under the influence of newly appointed Police Commissioner Prakash Nikam, who met the rowdy-sheeters and enquired about their activities and movements.
According to police, more than 125 rowdy-sheeters were under surveillance as part of the security preparations. But the commissioner specifically instructed active rowdy-sheeters during their interaction and warned them against engaging in unlawful activities during Ganeshotsav.
Police watch rowdy-sheeters closely
The police action comes just as Belagavi is preparing for a large-scale Ganeshotsav festival. The festival draws large crowds and processions and public celebrations; cultural programmes are organized at various places.
Police authorities are taking preventive measures to ensure celebrations are peaceful and orderly given the possibility of large gatherings.
Commissioner Prakash Nikam sought information on the activities and movements of the rowdy-sheeters during the parade, as reported. Those who were active were warned not to cause trouble and not to use the festival to be criminally involved.
Police have made it clear that anyone attempting to create tension, threaten others or disturb public order during the celebrations will face legal action.
Rowdy-sheeters from several police station limits paraded
The security exercise covered rowdy-sheeters linked to various police station jurisdictions in and around Belagavi.
Those from the Market, Malmaruti, APMC and Camp police station limits were called for the parade, among others. Police also focused on rowdy-sheeters falling under the jurisdiction of Belagavi Rural, Shahapur, Udyambag and Marihal police station jurisdictions, the police said.
A larger effort to track individuals with a history of criminal activity is also part of the exercise to identify those who could potentially cause disturbances at large public events.
Police officials have said that the surveillance on such people will continue during the festival period.
Stern warning ahead of Ganeshotsav
The police have made it very clear that the festival can’t be used as an excuse for law and order problems.
Any attempt to incite unrest in the name of Ganeshotsav celebrations will be taken action against; anyone who causes unrest will be punished, officials warned. Police are also monitoring how they are working with them from now on to track the movements of active rowdy-sheeters.
The security preparations are part of preparations for the main Ganeshotsav celebrations when thousands of devotees are expected to participate in religious programmes and processions across Belagavi.
The police are more careful to keep the atmosphere of the city peaceful, and preventive checking is being done.
This early morning parade of rowdy-sheeters sends a strong signal that Belagavi police are taking law and order seriously ahead of the festival. The department is going to watch sensitive areas and individuals all the time as part of its full security arrangements for Ganeshotsav.
Neighborhood residents and devotees might be relieved that safety measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the entire community during these celebrations. This is why public safety is important, according to the police action, and they are taking things very seriously to ensure the safety of the public in Belagavi.
