Muharram: Patna admin deploys cops, magistrates at 351 locations

Patna: The district administration has deployed magistrates and police personnel at 351 locations across Patna to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram on Thursday with special vigilance ordered at sensitive spots and strict action planned against rumour-mongers and biker gangs.District magistrate Kundan Kumar and SSP Kartikey K Sharma said elaborate security arrangements had been made with armed and lathi forces stationed across the district. Deployments include 55 locations in Patna Sadar, 75 in Patna City, 78 in Danapur, 41 in Barh, 47 in Masaurhi and 55 in Paliganj. SDOs and SDPOs have been authorised to make additional deployments if required.The administration said crowd management, traffic regulation and maintenance of law and order remain top priorities.“No compromise can be made with law and order,” the joint order stated.Four quick response teams have been constituted while reserve magistrates and adequate striking forces have been kept on standby at district and subdivision control rooms for immediate deployment.Officials have been directed to ensure that no procession is taken out without a valid licence. Physical verification of routes, continuous videography and uninterrupted CCTV surveillance have been made mandatory.

Police personnel will accompany every procession, while drone surveillance and monitoring through the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) will also be carried out.The administration reiterated that the use of DJs is completely prohibited. Loudspeakers will be permitted only between 6am and 10pm and within prescribed decibel limits.The DM said, “Preventing any untoward incident is the special responsibility of deputed magistrates, SHOs, COs, SDOs and SDPOs.

SHOs will be fully responsible for law and order in their areas. SDOs and SDPOs will ensure 24-hour patrolling in their areas during the festival and monitor activities via CCTV.”Strict action has been ordered against those spreading rumours on social media and WhatsApp under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).The civil surgeon has been directed to station ambulances at 16 key locations across the city, while fire squads will remain deployed to tackle emergencies.“SDOs and SDPOs will be in full charge of law and order in their areas,” the DM added.