Lohardaga Police tighten security ahead of Rath Mela, Shravan festivities

Binod Prasad

Lohardaga

With the Rath Mela, Kanwar Yatra and the holy month of Shravan approaching, Lohardaga Police have intensified security and law enforcement measures across the district, issuing a series of directives to strengthen public safety, curb crime and ensure the peaceful conduct of the upcoming religious events.

The decisions were taken during a comprehensive crime review meeting chaired by Superintendent of Police Sadique Anwar Rizvi, which was attended by senior police officers, Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs), Circle Inspectors, Station House Officers (SHOs) and heads of various police branches.

Reviewing the district’s law and order situation, the SP instructed all police units to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards criminal and anti-social activities. The meeting assessed the progress of pending investigations, execution of non-bailable warrants, attachment proceedings, disposal of complaints and efforts to apprehend absconding accused. Officers were directed to accelerate investigations and ensure prompt legal action in all pending cases.

To strengthen security across the district, all police stations were instructed to intensify night patrolling, maintain strict surveillance on suspicious activities and enhance police visibility in their respective jurisdictions. The SP emphasised that preventive policing and regular monitoring would be key to maintaining law and order during the festive season.

Special attention was given to security arrangements for the upcoming Rath Mela, Kanwar Yatra and Shravan celebrations, which are expected to draw large numbers of devotees. Additional police personnel will be deployed at sensitive locations, while vehicle checking drives will be intensified across the district. Continuous monitoring has also been ordered at major religious sites, including Khakparta Shivdham and Akhileshwar Temple, to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of the festivities.

Cybercrime prevention and road safety also featured prominently during the meeting. Police stations have been directed to organise public awareness campaigns against online fraud, respond swiftly to cybercrime complaints and strictly enforce traffic regulations through regular vehicle inspections and checking drives.

The SP also ordered stringent action against illegal sand mining and transportation in accordance with the National Green Tribunal’s seasonal ban on sand mining from June 11 to October 15. Police officers were instructed to intensify enforcement and take immediate action against those involved in illegal mining activities.

In a bid to strengthen the criminal justice process, investigators were directed to expedite cases involving crimes against women, offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act by ensuring timely completion of investigations and submission of charge sheets.

The meeting also stressed the need to strengthen police-public relations, maintain updated criminal records and intensify enforcement drives against narcotics, gambling, illicit liquor and other unlawful activities across the district.

To encourage efficient policing, the Superintendent of Police announced that commendation certificates would be awarded to police personnel demonstrating exemplary performance in maintaining law and order and effectively discharging their duties.