Unprecedented security for 89 Rathyatras in state: DGP

Unprecedented security arrangements have been made for the 89 Rathyatras of Lord Jagannath in different parts of the state, Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) SS Khandwawala said in Gandhinagar on Friday.

Unprecedented security arrangements have been made for the 89 Rathyatras of Lord Jagannath in different parts of the state, Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) SS Khandwawala said in Gandhinagar on Friday.

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"Besides the 65,000 police force in the state, five companies from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharastra have been requested along with 20 companies from the Central government, for the Rathyatras in different parts of the state on July 13," he told reporters here.

Khandwawala said there were no specific intelligence inputs of threat during the Rathyatra.

"But an event where lakhs of people take part, there is need for tight security arrangements. All necessary precautions have been taken in this regard," he said, adding that the Army also has been asked to remain alert.

The DGP said that special security arrangements have been made for the Rathyatra of Lord Jagannath in Ahmedabad city which is the biggest in the state.

Besides, CCTV cameras, GPS tracking devices and video cameras, intensive checking and combing operations were on in various cities to ensure peaceful rathyatra.

"The atmosphere in the sensitive areas of Ahmedabad and other cities is peaceful ahead of the Rathyatra. People of all communities would participate with equal enthusiasm," Khandwawala hoped.