TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
BELGAUM: As the 12-day long celebrations of Ganesh festival in Belgaum have commenced with fervour, a number of Goans visiting Belgaum during the Ganesh festival holidays is increasing.
Belgaum Police will seek assistance from Goa police to control and prevent possible crimes and maintain law and order in Belgaum till next Wednesday, the day of immersing the Ganesh idols.
Briefing media regarding preparations by police, Superintendent of Police Dr Chandragupta said all the necessary preventive measures have been initiated to prevent any untoward incident during the festival. Strong police and reserved police force and CCTV cameras will maintain a strict vigil round the clock. Police will also assist the excise department to control the flow of Goan liquor to Belgaum which is on the rise during this time.
“Along with five ASPs, 22 DySPs, 48 CPIs, about 120 police personnel from Goa and Maharashtra including officers will assist us in prevention and control of crimes during the festival. Also, 249 ASIs, 3,792 police constables, 25 battalions each from KSRP and DAR, 30 CCTV cameras have been placed at strategic locations to maintain close watch,” Dr Chandragupta said.
“We have also maintained strict watch on the rowdy sheeters and issued warnings to them. As a large number of visitors from Goa and Maharashtra visit Belgaum during the festival, I have issued instructions to all the police officials not to observe any laxity and maintain a close vigil,” said Dr Chandragupta.
“Members of all the 370 Sarvajanik pandals in Belgaum and another 3,795 pandals in the district have been instructed to assist police in maintaining law and order and extend cordial treatment to visitors from Goa and Maharashtra. All the restaurants will be kept open till 11 pm for the convenience.”
“Cell phone numbers of police officials of the particular jurisdiction will be displayed in all the pandals. I urge Goans visiting Belgaum to contact police in case of inconvenience of any kind,” added Dr Chandragupta.
