Ranchi: Jharkhand Police Headquarters hosted a comprehensive review meeting chaired by Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta, focusing on maintaining law and order during the upcoming Muharram festival. The meeting was conducted via video conferencing with all Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs), Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs) from across the state.
DGP Anurag Gupta emphasized the importance of preventive measures and directed district-level police leadership to deploy adequate forces at locations vulnerable to potential incidents. He instructed immediate and effective response protocols for any unforeseen events. Provisions for food, accommodation, and water for deployed personnel were stressed. Verification of availability of anti-riot equipment and conducting anti-riot drills were mandated. The DGP further called for peace committee meetings at district and police station levels and continuous monitoring through control rooms.
Special attention was directed towards securing the Muharram procession routes. The DGP ordered installation of CCTV cameras at religious and sensitive spots along the routes, along with surveillance using photography, videography, and drones. Physical inspections of procession paths and deployment of adequate police personnel equipped with body protectors and riot gear were instructed. Adequate lighting and public address systems must be arranged along the routes. Emergency medical teams are to be made available, and district control rooms must remain active throughout the events. The use of DJs or other sound systems to play provocative songs during processions was strictly prohibited.
Strict monitoring of social media for rumours and misinformation was also directed, with swift verification and necessary action against antisocial elements spreading false information.
The meeting was attended physically by ADGP Priya Dubey, IG Ranchi Manoj Kaushik, IG Special Branch Prabhat Kumar, IG Operations Dr. Michaelraj S, DIG Special Branch Shailendra Varnwal, SP Special Branch Mumal Rajpurohit, along with all other senior police officials joining via video conferencing.