Security beefed up for 3-day Datta Jayanthi

1,500 additional police personnel have been deployed: SP

The district administration has made all preparations for the smooth conduct of three-day Datta Jayanthi celebrations, at Guru Dattatreya Bababudangiri Dargah, in Chikkmagaluru from Thursday.

Addressing a press meet here on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner B S Shekarappa said that basic facilities will be provided by the district administration for the devotees coming from different parts of the country. 

The security will be beefed up to maintain law and order. Pro Hindu organisations have sought permission for conducting Sankeerthana Yatre by women devotees on December 4. The Yatre will be held from Bolarameshwara temple to Polytechnic College premises.

Later, the devotees will visit the peeta and have darshana of Paduke. Permissions have been given for shobhayatre on December 5, Datta jayanthi celebrations on December 6.

To maintain law and order around peeta and surrounding areas, 19 special magistrates have been appointed. Bus services, toilet facilities have been arranged for the devotees. The use of plastic covers has been banned in and around the peeta. As per the direction of the Supreme Court, Datta Jayanthi will be observed. The rituals can not be carried out in the controversial area, he clarified.

Additional force

To maintain law and order, 1,500 additional police personnel will be deployed, said SP R Chetan. This includes four DySPs, 17 circle inspectors, 64 police sub inspectors, 72 ASIs, 244 head constables, 551 police constables, 60 women police constables, 200 home guards, 14 platoons of KSRP and 14 platoons of DAR. Ten check posts have been set up.

 CC TV cameras have been installed at strategic locations to monitor the movements. The CCTV camera footages will be monitored at the police control room.

Two cases have been filed for violating the rules during last Datta Jayanthi celebrations. The inquiry into one case has been completed and 17 suspects have been identified. Charge sheet has already been submitted to the court. The probe into another case is in progress, he clarified.