SAMBALPUR: With Hanuman Jayanti set to be observed on Monday (April 14), after a year’s hiatus, Sambalpur city has been placed under a heightened state of alert.
The district police is leaving nothing to chance with massive deployment of forces, surveillance, and enforcement to ensure a peaceful observance of the festival.
On April 14, the celebration is scheduled to begin from 5 pm onwards, with rallies starting from six places including Dhankauda, Dhanupali, Ainthapali, Sakhipara, Remed, Bareipali, and Badabazar. People from these areas will assemble at Ram temple in Khetrajpur where prayers will be offered before the main procession begins post 7 pm.
The event is expected to see participation from over 26 different groups, along with several artist troupes performing as part of the grand procession.
Speaking to the media on Saturday evening, Sambalpur SP Mukesh Bhamoo stated over 25,000 people had participated in the Ram Navami procession which was managed efficiently.
“We are expecting more than 60,000 during Hanuman Jayanti for which adequate arrangements have been made,” he added. At least 10 companies of central forces will be engaged along with the district police. Round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, deployment of PCR vans equipped with 360-degree cameras, and intensified border patrolling are already in place.
The security setup includes five companies of BSF, two companies of CRPF and three companies of RAF. Overall 58 platoons of forces will be deployed throughout the city. Ahead of the festival, a flag march was conducted on Saturday evening through sensitive areas in the city, led by IG (northern range) Himanshu Lal and SP Mukesh Bhamoo.
Earlier, the police launched raids on medical stores to crack down on circulation of contraband cough syrups and tablets, while several accused involved in liquor supply were also arrested. To maintain law and order, history-sheeters were summoned and preventive arrests made.
“With the cooperation of public and proactive policing, we will be able to manage the celebrations peacefully without disturbing harmony or law and order,” Bhamoo added.
This year’s observance comes in the backdrop of the violence that had marred the festival in 2023 leading to a 10-day-long curfew and prohibition of religious celebrations for a year.
