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State Puts 7,750 Extra Forces on Duty for Peaceful Sharad Utsav

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Agartala
  • Sep 26, 2025
  • 897

The state administration is fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and joyous celebration of Sharad Utsav this year, Director General of State Police Anurag Dhankar announced at a press conference today.

Calling Durga Puja the biggest festival of Bengalis, Dhankar said that additional security forces have been deployed across the state to guarantee smooth conduct of the celebrations. The deployment includes district police, traffic units, TSR personnel, and women police. “This year, more administrative officers are on duty compared to previous years,” he noted.

According to police records, 2,965 Durga Puja pandals have been registered this year, a 10 percent increase from 2,750 last year. To ensure safety, all emergency services—including Fire Service, PWD, Electricity and Telephone departments—have been placed on alert. Organizers have been instructed to obtain special permits for sound systems, with a strict limit of 75 decibels as per High Court guidelines.

For security, 6,550 TSR jawans, 380 additional police personnel, and 920 police trainees will join forces—bringing the total deployment to 7,750. In addition, 215 mobile patrol vehicles will be on duty, while 320 CCTV cameras will monitor key areas, up from 216 last year. Organizers have also been directed to install CCTV inside each puja mandap. Sniffer dogs and bomb squads will be deployed at select pandals.

Traffic restrictions will be in place from September 29 to October 2, with no-entry zones enforced from 5 pm to 1 am daily. Public vehicles will not be allowed near puja mandaps during those hours, though private vehicles may pass through.

DGP Dhankar also issued a strong warning against extortion, assuring swift police action against offenders. “We will not tolerate any kind of abuse in the name of collection. People are urged to report incidents immediately at the 112 helpline,” he said.

Recognizing the heavy holiday travel rush, the police chief said that strict security measures are being taken at railway stations and onboard trains, particularly at night, to safeguard women and children. Security has also been tightened in border areas in coordination with the BSF.

“With cooperation from organizers and citizens, we are confident of a safe, harmonious and joyous Sharad festival,” Dhankar concluded.