PURI: Ahead of the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and His siblings scheduled to be held on July 14, Odisha police on Tuesday held a preparatory meeting to review security measures.At the meeting, which was presided over by Director General of Police (DGP) Dr RP Sharma, it was decided that the security arrangements would remain in force for Snana Poornima, Rath Yatra and Niladri Bije of the Trinity.
A thick security cover will be thrown around Puri by engaging 135 platoons of police force besides putting in place air and marine surveillance. For Rath Yatra, the security would include personnel of Rapid Action Force and Quick Action Team. Coast Guards too will be deployed near the beach where the crowd is likely to swell during the nine-day sojourn of the deities.
As the annual event begins with Snana Yatra of the deities, scheduled on June 27, and lakhs of devotees are expected to gather in the town to witness it, 45 platoons will be deployed on the day, said the DGP.
For the three chariots, three layers of security will be positioned around the Cars to prevent any unauthorised entry of devotees and peaceful passage of rituals.
For ensuring that fool-proof security is implemented, three Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) have been given different charges. While IG Sanjiv Panda will be in charge of traffic control, IG Asit Panigrahy will be responsible for crowd control and law and order. IG (Central range) Soumendra Priyadarshi will be in charge of overall security of shrines.
The DGP also said plain-clothes men will be stationed at sensitive locations to prevent suspicious elements from entering the town and ensuring peace during the mega event.This apart, close circuit cameras will be installed at several strategic places, including railway station and bus stand.
The meeting was attended by ADG AK Ray, IG (Central Range) Soumendra Priyadarshi, IGPs Sanjiv Panda and Amitabh Thakur, Puri SP Sarthak Sarangi and other senior officials.