PANAJI
In an unprecedented security arrangement, as many as 1,012 police personnel have been deployed for the annual zatra of Shree Devi Lairai at the Lairai Temple in Shirgao, Bicholim that began on Friday. This is the highest-ever deployment of police forces for the festival, which draws several lakh devotees each year.
Superintendent of Police (North) Akshat Kaushal told reporters that to ensure effective crowd control and the smooth conduct of the festival, police have also deployed advanced surveillance measures including drones to monitor crowd movement and provide aerial coverage of the celebrations. A Vajra Van (Riot Control Vehicle) has also been stationed at the venue as a precautionary measure.
The North Goa District Police have deployed one Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), 14 Police Inspectors (PI), 28 Police Sub-Inspectors (PSI), 16 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI), 50 Head Constables, 310 Police Constables (PC) and 65 Lady PC for effective crowd management and to ensure the safe and smooth passage of devotees.
In addition, three male platoons and two female platoons from the India Reserve Battalion (IRBn), along with 50 constables from the Goa Reserve Police Force, are on duty for zatra bandobast.
The Traffic Police have also mobilised a significant number of personnel comprising one DySP, seven PIs, 18 PSIs/ASIs and 300 PCs/HGs to maintain smooth flow of traffic and manage parking zones.
Kaushal added that plain clothed police personnel have been deployed in and around the zatra location to keep watch on criminal and anti-social elements, and to prevent and detect offenses such as pick-pocketing and eve teasing. “The local police are working in close coordination with the Managing Committee of the Devasthan to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration,” the SP said.
