Around 32 platoons of police force will be deployed to maintain law and order and strictly enforce the night curfew restrictions in Cuttack during Durga Puja, said DCP Prateek Singh on Sunday.
According to Singh, a detailed security plan has been finalised and 100 officers along with 150 home guards from other districts have been mobilised. Around 20 aid posts will be set up and focus will be given on sector-wise patrolling and security at vulnerable and communally sensitive locations in the city.
“We appeal people to observe the festival while strictly adhering to all Covid protocols. Night curfew restrictions will be clamped in the city from 8 pm to 5 am from October 11 (tomorrow) till October 20 as per the guidelines issued by the State government,” said Singh.
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The DCP further said that already clear instructions have been issued to Puja organisors to ensure that the festival and other associated rituals are performed as per the previous guidelines issued by the administration.
The processions during immersion ceremony has been banned and hence, the idols will be immersed at multiple temporary ponds and other identified locations in different parts of the city.
“Only 7 persons will be allowed to attend/conduct rituals at their respective pandals during night curfew restrictions,” said Singh.
Police Commissioner Saumendra Priyadarshi has also warned of stern action against any kind of violations during the enforcement of night curfew restrictions in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar from October 11 (Monday).
“The State government had recently announced the night curfew restrictions during Durga Puja from October 11 to October 20, 2021. It will be in force from 8 pm to 5 am daily in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. We appeal residents to abide by the restrictions which aim at putting a check on Covid-19 spread,” said Priyadarshi on Saturday.