Bangalore, Jan 25 (Inditop.com) Police stepped up vigilance and tightened security across this tech hub for a safe and smooth conduct of the 61st Republic Day celebrations Tuesday, a senior police official said Monday.
“About 1,000 police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order during the Republic Day. Additional police force has been positioned at vital installations and in sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incident,” Police Commissioner Shankar Bidiri told reporters here.
At the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground in the heart of the city, where state Governor H.R. Bhardwaj will unfurl the tri-colour and receive the guard of honour, 15 platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) and three platoons each of the Rapid Response Team and the City Armed Reserve have been stationed to ensure safety.
“We have installed 16 closed circuit television cameras in and around the venue for surveillance and security of VIPs, dignitaries and the people assembling to witness the parade and cultural programmes,” Bidiri said.
Police have banned visitors from carrying handbags, cameras, mobile phones and umbrellas to the venue for security reasons.
“The parade ground has been sanitised and cordoned off to maintain vigilance. Metal detectors at entry points will screen invitees and the public to prevent carrying any objectionable equipment,” Additional Police Commissioner M.R. Pujar said.
After the ceremonial parade, about 2,600 boys and girls from various schools across the city will participate in an hour-long cultural programmes to mark the historic day.
“In all, 36 groups, including youth from Scouts and Guides, National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Seva Dal will also participate in the parade,” Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike commissioner Bharatlal Meena said.
Security has also been stepped up in major cities and district headquarters across the state for a peaceful Republic Day.
In Hubli, about 400 km from Bangalore, additional police personnel have been deployed to maintain peace at the sensitive Idgah Maidan, where the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation commissioner will hoist the national flag as part of the R-Day celebrations.
The century-old maidan has been a bone of contention between two communities over its ownership, resulting in prolonged legal battle.
