High security in city to maintain peace

The Mumbai police have made elaborate security arrangements in the city with assistance from central paramilitary forces in order to maintain peace after the Ayodhya verdict by the Allahabad High Court on Thursday.

The Mumbai police have made elaborate security arrangements in the city with assistance from central paramilitary forces in order to maintain peace after the Ayodhya verdict by the Allahabad High Court on Thursday. Route marches were conducted at about 40 different places across the city, including at communally sensitive locations, as part of the security preparedness exercise, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Operations, Rajkumar Vhatkar told Hindustan Times.

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Vhatkar added that the purpose of these marches was two fold — to generate confidence among people by showcasing police presence and for familiarising the central forces with the topography of the respective localities where they have been deployed.

Meanwhile, Joint Commissioner of Police, law and order, Rajnish Seth said that over 4,000 suspected troublemakers have been rounded up as a preventive measure. Also, several politicians have been issued notices under Section 149 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), warning them from indulging in any criminal activities. Seth, however, declined to name to the politicians. “The police stations in the respective localities have sent them notices,” added Seth.

According to Seth, the police commissioner’s prohibitory order under Section 144 of CrPC will be in effect till October 3. During this period, processions related to the court verdict won’t be allowed. Bursting of firecrackers has been banned along with circulation or production of any printed material related to the verdict.

Even Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Ahmad Javed said, “Citizens must ensure that law and order is maintained. There will be police bandobast in the city and I request the media to not report any rumours and scare people.”

However, according to Rajesh Rateria, chairman, western region, Travel Agents Association of India, about 10-15 per cent fliers have put their travel plans on hold because of the verdict on Thursday.