Mumbai Deploys 19,000 Cops For Dussehra Rallies, Durga Immersions

Mumbai is bracing for a high-octane day on October 2, as the city gears up for simultaneous Dussehra rallies and Durga idol immersion processions. To maintain order amidst the anticipated crowds, the Mumbai Police have rolled out an extensive security operation, deploying over 19,000 personnel, including 16,552 constables and 2,890 officers, across the city, according to officials.

This year, Dussehra coincides with Gandhi Jayanti, adding to the complexity of managing large-scale public events. The ruling Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, will hold its annual Dussehra rally at the NESCO Centre in Goregaon, a shift from its previously planned location at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai. Meanwhile, the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), under Uddhav Thackeray, will host its traditional rally at Shivaji Park in Dadar, a central Mumbai stronghold. Both events are expected to draw thousands of supporters, creating a vibrant yet challenging environment for law enforcement.

A senior police official stated, “With the convergence of political rallies and Durga idol immersion processions, we’ve implemented robust security measures to ensure law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.” The deployment includes seven Additional Commissioners of Police, 26 Deputy Commissioners, and 52 Assistant Commissioners, supported by specialized units such as the State Reserve Police (SRP) platoons, Quick Response Teams (QRT), Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS), dog squads, and teams from Delta, Combat, and Riot Control units. Home Guards have also been mobilized to bolster the operation.

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The police have prioritized crowd management and preventive security, particularly in sensitive areas prone to congestion. Enhanced monitoring and rapid-response units are in place to ensure the peaceful conduct of both the political rallies and the religious processions. The Mumbai Traffic Police have also introduced traffic regulation measures, rerouting key roads to accommodate the rallies and immersion processions while minimizing disruptions for commuters.

The convergence of these events underscores Mumbai’s vibrant cultural and political landscape but also poses significant logistical challenges. The Durga idol immersion processions, a hallmark of Navratri celebrations, are expected to draw large crowds to waterfronts and designated immersion sites across the city. Meanwhile, the competing Dussehra rallies highlight the intense political rivalry between the two Shiv Sena factions, each vying to assert its influence.

Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with security personnel and adhere to traffic advisories to ensure a smooth and safe celebration. With such an extensive deployment of forces and resources, Mumbai Police are leaving no stone unturned to safeguard the city during this high-stakes confluence of festivities and political fervor.

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