Tight security for Datta Jayanti celebrations

Deputy Commissioner M K Srirangaiah said that the district administration has made all preparations to ensure peaceful Datta Jayanti celebrations.

Speaking in a joint press conference with the SP on Tuesday, he said that Anasuya Jayanti will be observed on December 20. Permission has been given for women devotees to have a glimpse of Datta Paduka at Sri Guru Dattatreya Bababudengiri Swamy Dargah on the occasion.

‘Shobhayatra’ will be taken out in the city on December 21 and Datta Jayanti will be held on December 22.

The DC meanwhile clarified that permission has been given to carry out Sudharma Ratha Yatra this year, after examining the old records. No other new rituals will be held.

“A meeting has been convened with the Datta devotee leaders. Facilities have been made for supplying drinking water, maintaining cleanliness and vehicle parking on the hilly range. During Datta Jayanti, vehicles will be allowed to take devotees to Bababudangiri from 6 am. The district administration will distribute prasadam to devotees on Datta Jayanti. The prasadam will be examined by food security officers, he said.

As many as 41 sector magistrates have been deputed along with assistant commissioners and tahsildars to monitor the law and order situation, said M K Srirangaiah.

Superintendent of Police Harish Pande said that 3,500 police personnel will be deployed for Datta Jayanti. A SP, two additional SPs and four IPS officials, apart from 15 DySPs, 30 inspectors and 250 PSIs, will be in charge of the overall security measures.

There are six hairpin curves and four narrow curves on the road leading to the Bababudengiri hill range. Bike patrolling will be carried out to prevent traffic logjams on the route. Police staff will be on duty at every 2 km stretch.

“There is no change in the route of Shobhayatre. However, vehicle parking is prohibited on some roads,” he clarified.

The SP further said that 35 check-posts have been set up in the district, including four additional check-posts.

“CCTV, handy cameras and drone cameras will be used for surveillance. A total of 220 cameras will be at work in Datta Peetha shrine, the hilly range, city and also in taluk centres,” he added.

Indemnity bonds have been collected from 731 people from various districts. Strict legal action will be initiated against the people who give provocations for communal clashes.

Cases have been registered against 10 accused, in connection with the untoward incidents during Datta Jayanti previous year, Harish Pande added.