Police told to be well prepared

Shivani Bhakoo and Mahesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 21

The verdict on controversial Godman Sant Ram Rahim in a case of alleged rape of ‘sadhvis’ will be pronounced on August 25. Ahead of the verdict, the security has been beefed up in the entire district.

Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Agarwal held a meeting with top cops, including Commissioner of Police, two SSPs, DCPs and other higher officials, here today to take stalk of the situation.

Though the media was not allowed to attend the meeting, reliable sources, who attended the meeting said necessary instructions were issued by the DC to all concerned.

“There are approximately 25,000-30,000 premis (followers of Sacha Sauda) in the district and the Panchkula court will pronounce the verdict on the Head of Dera Sacha Sauda on August 25. The coming days will be sensitive and we don’t want any compromise as far as the safety and security of people is concerned. The fire department, ambulances, police force — all have been asked to be ready in difficult times (if any),” said a senior official.

At the same time, the official looked concerned over the “rumours” being spread on social media. He said miscreants would create panic among the public. “We need to keep a check on such elements as well,” said the official, adding that additional company (force) of around 100 personnel has been called in Ludhiana. In addition, almost 4,000 cops (females and males) would be deployed all over to control the situation, if it takes an ugly turn.

The administration has tightened security at public places in and around the city as well. But rain compounded problems of the officials at Mandi Ahmedgarh who, besides undertaking security arrangements, have to make arrangements for the stay of over 120 members of extra forces called.

Meanwhile, cops deployed for security at public places reportedly forced strangers to leave waiting rooms at railway station, platforms, bus stand and dharamsalas of the area.

Maintaining that the action had been taken keeping in view of the statewide alert, the authorities said only male members, who failed to explain the reason of their stay at public places, were asked to leave.

SHO City Baljinder Singh Pannu said the locality had been divided into four zones for maintaining security and handling any situation following the pronouncement of the verdict on Friday.

Security has always been a litmus test for the administration Ahmedgarh and surrounding areas have a sizeable population of all communities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Christians and Premis.

The town is also surrounded by localities falling under Khanna, Ludhiana (Rural) and Ludhiana City police districts. Almost in all cases of mischievous activities in the past, the miscreants had reached safe hideouts situated outside the jurisdiction of local areas.