Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, March 3: The Commissionerate Police has stepped-up security in the twin cities for Holi Friday, particularly in sensitive areas. Besides, vigil at places of public importance and major thoroughfares has also been intensified.
Twin city police commissioner Rajendra Prasad Sharma told Orissa POST special pickets had been set up at major junctions to prevent any untoward incidents like eve-teasing, drunken driving, etc.
“PCR vehicles will keep a tabs on drunken driving to evade road accidents. The DCPs of the twin cities will personally monitor the law and order situation,” Sharma said.
The fire department officials and police personnel will be on stand-by at places where people come to bath after playing Holi. “Fire department officials, cops will keep a vigil at Puri canal. People under the influence of bhang, liquor go to these places to take bath after celebrating Holi and this increases the chances of drowning,” the commissioner stressed.
Police sources said plainclothes sleuths will be deployed at vulnerable spots to check activities of trouble makers.
All police personnel under the Commissionerate Police have been denied leaves prior to the Holi festival because the twin cities have acute shortage of policemen in various ranks.
The festival of hues coinciding with vernal equinox is a time of celebration when the duty-bound police personnel have to give up the comfort of home and social camaraderie.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that civilians enjoy all festivals including Holi without any hindrance,” said an ASI at the Khandagiri Police station.
Another policeman at Chandrasekharpur police station said they could not give hooligans a free hand on Holi for their personal enjoyment. He, however, added he misses his family on the festival of colours.
