The police have claimed to have put into place fool-proof security for the famed Bungkhal Mela slated to start at Chakisain tehsil on Saturday.
Though earlier known for the animal sacrifice called Baggi, it is being held now sans the practice of sacrificing animals to propitiate the deity. The practice was stopped following the order of Uttarakhand High Court and the police are alert to stop violation of the order during the mela.
Deputy Superintendent of police, Tehri Garhwal, Heera Singh Rauthan who has been appointed as the security in- charge of the mela held a meeting with the police personnel and Indo-Tibetan Border Police at the police line in Pauri on Friday . He said that to ensure a peaceful mela sans any animal sacrifice, adequate police force has been deployed in the mela area. “ Aside from DSP, one inspector, two police station in-charges, 20 Sls, 11 head constables , 84 constables, 14 lady constable and one company of PAC-IRB would be deployed,” he said. Besides, 12 check posts have been set up in the surrounding areas of the Bungkhal Mela to stop entry of any animal meant for sacrifice in the mela premises.
“These check posts have been set up in Khirsu,Malsain, Vithundi, Chopra, Mulund, Aadibadri Tiraha, Paithani, Oodalee, Bela Bazar,Musagali and Paubo. A control room has been set up too in the G.I.C. Chaurikhal. If anyone is found entering with an animal the animal would be handed over to the administration. Two mobile teams would also be pressed into operation to ensure security of the devotees,” DSP said.