Paramilitary security cover for Ganeshotsav

MUMBAI, September 12: More than 45 platoons of the para-military force have been deployed in Mumbai in time for Ganeshotsav, which commences tomorrow. The troops have been deployed in addition to the 38,000 policemen attached to various police stations in the city, as well as 80 platoons of the State Reserve Police SRP.

Around 500 home guards are also expected to patrol the streets, said a senior police officer. The arrangements will be supervised by three joint commissioners of police, 25 deputy commissioners and more than 45 assistant commissioners. Policemen will also posted at the registered Ganpati mandals, which number 12,000 at a conservative estimate.

According to intelligence sources, reports that Inter-Services Intelligence sponsored agents will target Ganpati idols during the festival have prompted the heightened security. However, a senior police officer, requesting anonymity, pointed out that the massive deployment would subject the police force to additional pressure for the next 12 days.