Security beefed up across Gujarat for Navratri festival

"All action plans of security are being put in place in different parts of the state," Gujarat Director General of Police Chittaranjan Singh told PTI over phone.

Besides the state capital, security in cities like Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and other parts of the state has been increased.

Gujarat is always on the alert as was witnessed during Ganesh festival celebrations and the famous fair held at the Ambaji temple located on the hill top of Aravali mountain in Banaskantha district.

In order to ensure that Navratri festival passes off peacefully, private security guards and additional closed circuit television (CCTVs) cameras have been installed at the vantage points at the venues where garba (traditional navratri dance) is performed every night, police said.

"The festival sees a massive turnout of people on all days. It is difficult to check each person's identity. However, we will have entry-level security checks, including metal detectors and individual frisking. Policemen and vehicles will be stationed outside the main gate of the venue," Singh said.

The DGP said the venues will be scanned by a bomb detection squad and sniffer dogs before the main event commences every night.

Singh informed that Rapid Action Force and State Reserve Police will be deployed at the venues where garbas will be held.