Kendrapada, November 1:Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place by Kendrapada Police for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the Lakshmi Puja Bhasani (immersion procession) and Melana as part of the ongoing centenary celebrations of the historic Lakshmi Puja in Kendrapada.

More than 30 platoons of police personnel have been deployed across Kendrapada town and other strategically important locations to maintain law and order, regulate crowds and ensure the safety of devotees and visitors. Senior officers, including Additional Superintendents of Police (ASPs), Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), Inspectors and other ranks, have been assigned specific duties to ensure effective coordination and round-the-clock security.

Dr. Satyajit Naik, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Central Range, Cuttack, and Siddharth Kataria, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Kendrapada, are personally overseeing the security arrangements on the ground. The senior officers are visiting key locations, monitoring police deployment, assessing crowd management measures and guiding field personnel to ensure an immediate response to any eventuality.

Special security teams have been positioned at sensitive and high-footfall locations. Mobile patrolling units, striking forces and plainclothes personnel have also been deployed to maintain close surveillance and prevent any untoward incident. Special emphasis has been laid on traffic regulation, designated parking arrangements and the smooth movement of pedestrians and devotees.

To further strengthen security monitoring, CCTV cameras and other technological measures are being utilised for continuous surveillance. Police personnel have been directed to remain highly alert and maintain close coordination with Puja Committees, volunteers and officials of other departments throughout the celebrations.

Kendrapada Police has appealed to devotees, Puja Committee members and the general public to maintain discipline, cooperate with the police, adhere to traffic advisories and parking restrictions, and participate in the festivities peacefully. People have also been urged not to believe or circulate rumours and to promptly inform the nearest police personnel about any suspicious activity or untoward incident.

With extensive deployment, close supervision by senior officers and coordinated security measures, Kendrapada Police remains committed to ensuring the safe, peaceful and orderly celebration of the historic Centenary Lakshmi Puja Bhasani and Melana.