Over 2,000 police deployed in Amravati for Navratri; goddess installed at 2,583 mandals in the district

Amravati: City and rural police have drawn up tight security arrangements to keep the peace during Navratri, the installation of Durga and Sharda idols, garba events and immersion processions. Idols are being installed at 2,583 public mandals across the city and district from Sunday, October 11, including about 585 public installations in the city, where garba will be held at 69 places.

More than 2,000 police will be deployed in the city: three deputy commissioners, four assistant commissioners, 28 inspectors, 70 assistant and sub-inspectors and 1,650 constables, backed by riot control and quick response teams, a company of the State Reserve Police Force and home guards. Fixed pickets will be set up in sensitive areas, at major junctions and in crowded places, and police commissioner Rakesh Ola has warned of strict action against anyone spreading rumours or provocative content on social media. In rural areas, 1,709 Durga and 289 Sharda idols will be installed, including 395 under the 'one village, one Durga' initiative and 96 under 'one village, one Sharda'.

To handle crowds around the Ambadevi and Ekvira Devi temples, city traffic police have closed nine main roads to all vehicles until midnight on October 20, including Rajkamal Chowk to Ambadevi, Sabanpura Khidki to Gandhi Chowk and Oswal Bhavan to Gandhi Chowk. Assistant commissioner (traffic) Sanjay Batale has asked motorists to use alternative routes.

Sources: Hindusthan Samachar; Hindusthan Samachar