Garhwal Range DIG Amit Sinha has directed all district police heads to ensure necessary arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents during Holi celebrations.
Sinha said that intoxicants consumed during Holika Dehen and Holi celebration increased the risk of altercations and road accidents and added that altercations could occur on the selection of new spot for Holika Dehen, burning the Holika pyre on disputed spots, mischievous elements participating in the burning, route selection for the Holi procession, throwing colour on members of other communities or on their religious sites, throwing mud or coloured water filled balloons, old enmity and forcefully demanding donations from passers by. All officers responsible should review past incidents and take necessary preventive measures. All the district police heads were directed to discuss the various issues with officials concerned in detail and ensure that all arrangements are made on time to prevent any untoward incidents during Holi celebrations.
Considering the incidents that have taken place recently, the local intelligence staff should be activated and based on the important information collected by them, necessary action should be taken without delay, the police officer said.
Amit further said that a list of the places where the Holika pyre is to be burnt should be made on time and it should be ensured that disputes do not take place during burning of this pyre. Necessary steps should be taken in case there is probability of any dispute taking place. An eye should be kept on those spreading rumours to prevent any untoward incident. Adequate police force should be posted in areas with mixed population and near religious sites. Mobile parties should be deployed for patrolling areas during the day and night. Police should be deployed to ensure action against hooligans and anti-social elements.
Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Rautela said that the extra police forces would be deployed in sensitive areas to prevent disorder.