Hyderabad, July 10, 2013: Security has been beefed up in the twin cities as Ramzan and Bonalu festivals will begin from Wednesday and Thursday respectively. The decision was taken as police received an alert from the central intelligence wings to be vigilant in the backdrop of recent terror strike in Bodh Gaya of Bihar.

While there was no specific information, Hyderabad too was included among other cities of the country where the security should be strengthened, said City Police Commissioner Anurag Sharma at a press conference on Wednesday.

Thirty anti-sabotage check squads are being used to scout all vulnerable places. Malls, religious places, entertainment centres and other areas witnessing huge congregations were thoroughly being checked.

Managements of malls and shops were cautioned to employ only trained security personnel for guarding. The private security teams would be trained by the city police on how to look out for suspects and suspicious objects.

Referring to the upcoming Ramzan and Bonalu festivals, Mr. Sharma said, “After 33 years the two festivals are coming on near simultaneous days. Security arrangements are being made accordingly.”

Golconda Bonalu would begin on Thursday at Golconda fort. Secunderabad Ujjain Mahankali Bonalu would be held on July 28. The next day Old City Bonalu Ghata installation would take place. Bonalu and Ramzan would come to an end on August 8 and 9 respectively.

Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy and the Major Industries Minister J. Geetha Reddy reviewed the arrangements to be made for the festivals at a high-level meeting.

Security arrangements

The city police held meetings with local elders, religious leaders and temple committee members in different parts seeking their cooperation in peaceful conduct of the two festivals.

Additional teams of women police would be brought to city for Bonalu festival. Five additional SPs, 209 DSPs, 60 CIs, 80 Sis and over 700 constables and head constables were being drawn for security arrangements.

Contingents of Rapid Action Force and Andhra Pradesh Special Police would be deployed at sensitive areas.

Close Circuit TV cameras are being installed at important temples. Eventually, all religious places would be covered by the cameras.

Replying to a question, the Commissioner said action would be initiated against the owners of malls and theatres not complying with the security norms.

Provisions of the Public Security Act would be explained to them stressing the need for basic security arrangements in the interests of the public visiting these places.

City Light hotel probe

Investigation into the City Light hotel collapse would begin once the debris removal work is finished, he said. The angle of negligence of the hotel owner and the GHMC authorities too would be probed.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 10, 2013.