Massive drives against drug peddling, extortion after Durga Puja: IGP

Issuing a warning against robbery, drug peddling and extortion, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Moinul Islam today said massive operations will be launched across the country after Durga Puja celebration. 

He made the remarks in a media query after visiting a Durga Puja mandap (a pavilion for the worship of a god) at Ramakrishna Math and Mission in the capital.

The IGP said that Durga Puja will end on Sunday with immersion of idols and special security arrangements have been made for it.

About the city's traffic management, he also said the traffic division will also conduct drives to bring traffic management under control.

The IGP said that Durga Puja is being celebrated in more than 32,000 mandaps across the country, adding that, "Special security measures have been taken to ensure this puja celebration peacefully. Around 2.25 lakh Ansars have been deployed in mandaps across the country, while 75,000 policemen are directly engaged to ensure security. Besides, armed forces have also been deployed."

He added, "Our national emergency service 999 and control room is open round-the-clock. Whenever we get any news related to puja, immediate action is taken."

The IGP said since 1 October, 43 incidents have taken place across the country in connection with the puja, adding that "Immediate action has been taken against every incident and in 14 cases, 29 GDs were filed while 26 were arrested to this end."

The IGP issued a warning saying that no one will get away with any incident.

Replying to a question about the law and order situation, he said that whoever is found guilty will be brought under the book.

"No perpetrator will be spared whatever is their political identity," he added.

DMP Commissioner Md Mainul Hasan and Ramakrishna Math and Mission Principal Swami Purnatmananda Maharaj, among others, were present.