Patna is buzzing with anticipation for Holi, but beneath the festive cheer, Bihar Police has sounded the alarm. Declaring a zero-tolerance policy against hooliganism, the state has mobilized thousands of additional security personnel across major cities and sensitive hotspots. This massive deployment aims to ensure the festival of colors remains peaceful and joyous for all.
Bihar’s Director General of Police, Vinay Kumar, has issued strict directives to district heads, emphasizing proactive measures to curb bike gangs, reckless road racers, and any elements attempting to disrupt law and order. ‘No one will be allowed to tarnish the spirit of Holi under the guise of celebration,’ officials asserted, promising stringent action against rioters and mischief-makers.
Every district now boasts enhanced police presence, with control rooms operating round-the-clock. These hubs will monitor situations every two hours, relaying instant updates to the DGP’s command center. Additional Inspector General Pankaj Kumar Darad has specifically ordered beefed-up security in mixed-population areas, religious sites, and historically volatile zones, complete with executive magistrates on standby.
Drawing lessons from past Holi mishaps, police headquarters is reviewing old disputes, land conflicts, and potential flashpoints. Preventive actions under BNSS and CrPC sections are underway, ensuring impartial crackdowns on troublemakers from all communities. Even minor communal skirmishes won’t be overlooked; senior officials are mandated to rush to sites if tensions escalate.
Intelligence gathering has intensified, with surveillance on suspicious anti-social elements. Naxal-affected districts, police stations, jails, railway sections, and government buildings are under extra vigilance. To safeguard migrant workers from drugging and robberies during the festival, train patrols have been ramped up.
The security arsenal includes 12 companies of Range Reserve Force, 31 companies of Bihar Armed Police, 2,768 trainee constables from Rajgir Police Academy, 5,100 home guards, and three companies of Central Armed Police Forces. Patna leads with the heaviest deployment: three companies each from RRF and BAP, plus 535 new recruits and 400 home guards. Key districts like Darbhanga, Begusarai, Jamui, Munger, Rohtas, Buxar, Gaya, and Motihari have also seen significant reinforcements, tailored to local needs.
As Bihar gears up for Holi, this robust security blanket underscores the commitment to a safe celebration, allowing families to immerse in colors without fear.