Raichur: Ganeshotsav committees found violating guidelines issued by the district administration will face police action, Superintendent of Police Arunangshu Giri warned as authorities intensified security measures for peaceful and safe celebrations across the district.In a public statement, SP Giri said police had been conducting awareness drives and issuing directions to Ganeshotsav committees for the past month. Despite repeated instructions, some organisers have failed to take the administration’s orders seriously. He warned that violations would attract strict action without any leniency.As of Saturday, 2,578 public Ganeshotsav committees had registered in the district, with registrations remaining open until Sunday evening. Permissions have been issued for the installation of around 2,570 Ganesh idols. Police have identified 48 sensitive locations across the district, while idol installations have been prohibited at 14 places owing to law and order concerns.To ensure smooth celebrations, police have conducted 148 peace meetings with members of the public and Ganeshotsav committees, issuing necessary guidelines and directions ahead of the festival. Police personnel, Home Guards, Armed Reserve staff and KSRP contingents have been deployed at key locations for security.Surveillance has been strengthened through a network of 16,673 CCTV cameras installed across the district. In addition, the Raichur City Corporation will install 180 more cameras within city limits to enhance monitoring during the festival, Giri said.Police have also stepped up preventive measures against habitual offenders. Of the district’s 1,557 rowdy-sheeters, action has been initiated against 1,474. Authorities have obtained bonds from 1,124 individuals, while 23 persons have been externed from the district. Proposals have also been submitted for the externment of five more individuals.The SP said habitual offenders have been sent to jail for one month as a precautionary measure. He appealed to festival organisers and the public to strictly follow official guidelines and cooperate with authorities to ensure that Ganeshotsav celebrations are conducted peacefully and without any untoward incidents.
