Heightened security in Varanasi’s Dalmandi: Commissionerate police tightens vigil, mosques to face demolition action
Varanasi, May 16: The mosques falling under the Dalmandi widening and demolition drive in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh will now face action (demolition). In this regard, senior officials of the Varanasi commissionerate police have set up a security cordon.
The Additional Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Shivhari Meena conducted a field inspection of the Dalmandi area on Saturday to assess the law and order situation, security cordon, and traffic management.
The Additional Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Shivhari Meena stated that the Dalmandi area has always been considered highly sensitive due to its dense population, commercial activities, religious-cultural environment, and narrow roads. In view of the ongoing widening work, resulting in route changes, temporary obstructions, and changes in public traffic, the inspection was conducted today to further strengthen security.
He stated that after an on-site inspection, all necessary instructions have been issued to his subordinates. He noted the need for robust barricades and warning signs in Dal Mandi, night lighting and foot patrols, vigilance and crowd control during prayers, the smooth movement of emergency vehicles, the functionality and coverage of CCTV cameras at sensitive points, social media monitoring, and rumor control systems.
Regarding Dal Mandi, he stated that debris should be dumped at designated sites to prevent it from spilling onto the road. Regular inspections should be conducted to ensure the safety of exposed electrical wires, temporary connections, and generator sets. Additional police personnel should be deployed in narrow areas for the convenience of the elderly, women, and children. A special duty plan should be implemented during market opening and closing times. Additional police force should be deployed around religious sites, especially during Friday prayers or special events. Police personnel should be deployed in plainclothes.
