On the eve of Bakrid, police in Ranchi conducted flag marches on motorcycles as part of confidence-building measures. Across Jharkhand, including the capital, security forces are on high alert to maintain law and order on Thursday. Authorities stated that besides tight vigil on streets and sensitive areas, special focus will also be on social media to thwart any attempts to spread rumors.
Ranchi District Preparations
Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri cautioned people against rumor-mongering and directed officials to take action against anyone indulging in criminal and communal activities. In the evening, administrative and police officers, along with a large number of personnel, carried out flag marches on Main Road and other sensitive locations in Ranchi.
SP (City) Paras Rana stated, "We have deployed around 1,000 police personnel in the city for the festival. Additional CCTV cameras have been installed for surveillance of sensitive areas." At least 5,000 police personnel have been deployed in Ranchi district.
The Ranchi administration has deployed static forces at 85 locations, apart from providing reserve police personnel at every police station. Officers in charge of police stations have been asked to ensure deployment at places where prayers will be offered. Additionally, the entire district has been divided into 13 zones, each under a senior police officer with a strong contingent of quick reaction teams. Patrolling parties have been assigned beats for surveillance across the city.
East Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan Security
Similarly, the East Singhbhum administration is on alert, with 2,500 police personnel and 200 magistrates deployed to maintain law and order. Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Rapid Action Police (RAP) personnel, along with separate units of the Quick Response Team (QRT), will assist in maintaining law and order, said officers. Bike and jeep patrolling in sensitive areas has been increased.
East Singhbhum DC Rajiv Ranjan appealed to people to cooperate with the administration for a peaceful Bakrid. Dhalbhum Sub-Divisional Officer Arnav Mishra urged residents to act responsibly online and refrain from circulating unconfirmed news. "If there is any untoward incident, people should immediately dial 100 or 112 or call the local police," said Burmamines Police Station Officer In-Charge Niranjan Kumar.
In Seraikela-Kharsawan, police have increased surveillance under Kapali outpost limits in Chandil following Tuesday's row over alleged transportation of cattle. Alleged cow vigilantes faced the ire of locals when they raided a locality with police after receiving a tip-off about cattle smuggling. This enraged residents, who allegedly pelted stones at the vehicle. Police intervened to rescue them.
Additionally, police conducted searches at over six locations in Kapali on Wednesday on suspicion of illegal cattle hoarding and slaughtering. "Nothing was found at the suspected locations. However, police remain vigilant," said Shiv Prakash Kumar, SDPO of Chandil.
