Three-tier security, facial recognition cameras and 2,500 police deployed at Deekshabhoomi

Nagpur police have tightened security arrangements ahead of Dhammachakra Pravartan Din and Dussehra (Vijayadashami). Large numbers of devotees and citizens are expected to gather in the city these days. Lakhs of devotees are expected at Deekshabhoomi, so a three-tier security cordon has been set up there. The premises and surrounding areas will be monitored with facial recognition cameras and CCTV.

Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangare Patil reviewed the security arrangements in a meeting with senior officers. Besides Deekshabhoomi, an event is also to be held at Dragon Palace. VIP movement is expected at both places, so extra vigilance is being maintained.

About 2,500 police personnel are deployed at the Deekshabhoomi premises. Three companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) have also been deployed with them. CCTV cameras have been installed at 100 locations for surveillance, officials said.

Police pickets have been set up at all eight entry points to the city, and vehicles coming from outside are being checked. DCP and ACP-rank officers have also been called in from other districts to manage the arrangements. Senior Nagpur officers will also be on the ground overseeing the arrangements.

Many devotees are also expected at Nagpur's main railway station and Ajni station on Dhammachakra Pravartan Din. Police will therefore be stationed outside both stations. Extra vigilance will be maintained to manage crowds and prevent any untoward incident.

To prevent a stampede-like situation during darshan at Deekshabhoomi, devotees will be sent in according to the capacity of the premises. Barricades will be put up at nearby intersections. If necessary, devotees may first be held at Kripalani Chowk. The next group will be allowed in only after people have left the premises. Members of the Samata Sainik Dal will also help in managing the crowd. Separate teams of plainclothes police will be deployed to prevent incidents such as chain snatching and pickpocketing.

On Vijayadashami, Ravan effigies will be burnt at a total of 64 places in Nagpur, including Kasturchand Park. These include Tiranga Chowk, Nandanvan, Darshan Colony, Chopde Lawn, Manishnagar, Manewada and Reshimbagh. Events will also be held in the Wadi and Pardi police station areas. Police will face the challenge of maintaining law and order amid religious events, Ravan effigy burnings and the city's normal movement of people.