The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Haridwar has demanded additional police in view of coming festival of Diwali. SSP Senthil A Krishnaraj had asked for two companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) for the festival from police headquarters.

The SSP took a meeting of all CO, station in-charges and Chief Fire Officer on Sunday and asked them to make necessary preparation for the festival ahead. He asked police officers to ensure that the cracker shops without licenses should not be allowed and license holder shopkeepers are following the rules and regulations.

The SSP asked the police force to be extra vigilant to prevent the incidences of chain snatching, eve teasing and other crimes during the festival period as markets remain crowded during this period.

He said that a list of the habitual offenders of the last five years should be made to keep an eye on their activity. The district police head asked the fire officials to remain stationed at the designated places with necessary preparation to respond to any case of fire quickly and effectively.

Krishnaraj said that it is usually seen that the shopkeepers in the name of Diwali decoration encroach   upon the roads due to which markets become crowded and the entry of fire tenders in case of any fire is also restricted. He said that the shopkeepers should be prevented from encroaching the roads and it should be ensured that the decorations are at least at a height of 14 feet above ground level for unrestricted entry of fire tenders.

The SSP said that the incidences of gambling prevalent during Diwali should be strictly and effectively dealt with. He ordered the police officers to undertake a special campaign in the places like Railway station, bus stands, hotels and restaurants for keeping an eye on the activities of suspected people.

The SSP said that additional security measures should be taken around the jewellery shops and other prominent places of the city.