Mumbai, September 8, 2013: With crime against women increasing, the police have decided to deploy anti-eve-teasing squads at all big Ganesh pandals across Mumbai.

“Not only will we deploy anti-eve-teasing squads but also ensure that if there are any complaints of sexual harassment filed by women, strict action will be taken against the organisers, including cancellation of their licences,” said Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh .

Devotees would not be allowed to park their vehicles near the pandals owing to generic inputs on blasts by using vehicles. A bomb detection and disposal squad unit would be deployed at big pandals. Offerings by devotees would not be allowed at celebrated mandals. “We have introduced a new campaign — ‘Mumbai ke liye 1 minute’ [One minute for Mumbai], where we are asking people to be vigilant and call us on help lines if they find anyone or anything suspicious,” said Joint Commissioner of Police, Law and Order, Sadanand Date.

There are 6,000 Ganesh mandals across the city and one lakh household Ganapatis. “There are 200 spots where we witness huge turnouts and 52 sensitive spots. There are specific security arrangements at these spots, including manning them through CCTVs,” added Mr. Date.

Source: The Hindu, September 8, 2013