At least 4,300 police personnel have been deployed across Gurugram to ensure security during Diwali, with 53 special teams formed to prevent the illegal sale, storage and transportation of firecrackers, police said on Thursday.
The sale and use of prohibited firecrackers, including those containing barium, remain banned under Supreme Court directions. Crime branch personnel and other police teams will inspect authorised sale points to verify traders’ licences, sealed packaging and QR codes on firecracker boxes. Warehouses storing firecrackers and explosive materials are also being inspected. Security has also been strengthened at railway stations, bus stands, religious places, hospitals, power plants and other important installations. Police teams are checking hotels, guest houses, paying guest accommodations, dharamshalas, pubs and bars, while suspicious persons and vehicles will be subjected to checks. DCPs will oversee security arrangements in their respective jurisdictions and conduct patrols from Friday. SHOs and police post in-charges have been directed to inspect deployments regularly.
Police said the 53 special teams, functioning under the supervision of deputy commissioners of police (DCPs), assistant commissioners of police (ACPs) and station house officers (SHOs), would enforce restrictions on firecrackers. Sandeep Turan, public relations officer of Gurugram police, said bursting firecrackers would be prohibited within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, primary health centres, old-age homes and educational institutions.
“Police will patrol on foot, motorcycles and PCR vehicles, while plainclothes personnel will guard against harassment of women, chain snatching, pickpocketing and other offences,” he said.
