Agartala, September 26: Tripura Police have issued a stern warning against donation extortion while unveiling comprehensive security protocols for the upcoming Durga Puja, as the state prepares to host as many as 2,965 puja pandals under heightened surveillance.
State Police Director General Anurag Dhankar announced at a press conference on Friday, September 26, that the state administration is fully prepared to ensure the peaceful completion of the Durga Puja celebrations.
“The state administration is ready to complete the Durga Puja peacefully,” Dhankar stated during the briefing, emphasizing that comprehensive security arrangements have been implemented across the state to facilitate uninterrupted festivities.
The state has mobilized unprecedented security arrangements for this year’s festivities, with 7,850 additional personnel deployed across Tripura, representing a significant increase from previous years and reflecting the growing scale of celebrations.
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“This year, approximately 2,965 Durga Puja celebrations have been organized throughout the state,” Dhankar informed reporters.
“Last year, 2,750 puja pandals were organized state-wide, meaning this year the number of puja organizers has increased by approximately 10 percent,” he added.
The security apparatus includes 6,550 TSR jawans, compared to 6,000 last year, alongside 380 additional police personnel and 920 trainee police officers who will be deployed specifically for Durga Puja security duties.
“A total of 7,850 additional forces will be deployed for security duties throughout the state,” the Director General confirmed.
Enhanced surveillance capabilities form a critical component of this year’s security framework, with the state deploying 320 CCTV cameras compared to 216 last year.
“This year, CCTV surveillance has been further increased so that crowd control in pandals and any kind of unpleasant incidents can be avoided,” Dhankar explained.
Security operations will be supported by 215 mobile patrol vehicles, while puja organizers have been instructed to install CCTV systems at each puja pandal to ensure visitor safety. Traffic restrictions will be implemented from September 29 to October 2, with a no-entry zone from 5 PM to 1 AM.
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“Even after no entry, no public vehicles will be allowed to enter the puja pandal areas to avoid traffic jams. After no entry, only private cars will be allowed to travel,” the police chief clarified.
However, all emergency services have been prepared for the festival period, including fire services, PWD, electricity department, and telephone divisions, with puja organizers required to obtain special permits from SDPOs for sound systems.
“According to High Court instructions, sound boxes cannot be played anywhere above 75 decibels,” Dhankar emphasized, ensuring adherence to noise pollution guidelines.
Enhanced security measures include deployment of sniffer dogs and bomb disposal squads for pandal inspections, while railway stations will receive special security deployment given the expected surge in inter-district travel during the festival.
Meanwhile, the Director General issued a strong warning against donation-related harassment, stating that authorities will maintain zero tolerance for such activities.
“No kind of donation harassment will be tolerated. He called upon people to immediately contact the police if such incidents occur,” Dhankar stated firmly.
“In every case where reports of donation harassment have reached the police, necessary administrative steps have been taken. In some cases, the accused have been arrested. Again, in some places, police intervention has normalized the situation,” he assured.
“Police will take all necessary steps as soon as complaints are received,” he added.
The administration has conducted multiple meetings with puja organizers to ensure smooth coordination throughout the festival period.
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“All puja organizers have assured that they will make this Sharad Utsav successful by maintaining harmony with administrative officials,” Dhankar reported.
Moreover, border areas will maintain strict security in coordination with BSF forces, while the 112 helpline number will remain operational state-wide for any emergency situations.
Special security arrangements have been implemented for night trains to ensure safe travel for women and children, preventing any unpleasant incidents during railway journeys.
“Overall, the administration is active to complete the Sharad festival peacefully,” Dhankar concluded, seeking cooperation from all citizens to ensure the festival proceeds joyfully and without disruption.