Pune: The city police will be on high alert on Tuesday, anticipating massive crowds for the Ganapati immersion procession. The police have heightened security measures, with a significant focus on ensuring women's safety throughout the festivities. Officers in plain clothes will be deployed amid the crowds to monitor any unruly behaviour, while video surveillance will capture instances of harassment.
"The Pune police are determined to create a safe environment for all attendees, allowing them to participate in the immersion procession without fear of harassment or misconduct. We have about 792 policewomen on duty for the immersion day," said Ranjan Kumar Sharma, joint commissioner of Pune city police. "Their presence will encourage women to come forward and seek help if needed.
Additionally, 41 Damini squads will keep moving throughout the area for women's safety. Their presence will also act as a deterrence to miscreants in the public," he said. Apart from this, five officers and 24 constables in plain clothes will blend into the crowd to keep an eye on miscreants on the main procession route.
The police have deployed 195 video cameras to record the procession and monitor people's behaviour. "The whole area is covered with CCTV cameras, which will be monitored by the control room 24/7. A DCP-level officer has been deputed to oversee the bandobast.
Any unwanted incident against women will be handled with strict action," Sharma said. "If any criminal incident occurs, plainclot.