Mumbai ready for Dahi Handi, cops to videograph event

The city is geared up to celebrate Dahi Handi on Thursday and the Mumbai police has already issued guidelines given by the Supreme Court to the organisers to ensure there is no violation. The police will also videograph the proceedings and anyone found violating the SC guideline will be booked under the relevant section of the Indian Penal Code.

However, city police officials said no pandal or event would be stopped the very moment anyone notices a rule violation.

The police has written to the political parties also to ensure a calm festival in the city following the SC guidelines.

According to officials, they have given permission for a total 3,387 mandals and while giving the nod for the same, the police also gave the organisers the list of Supreme Court guidelines, which states no minor can participate in the Govinda pyramid and no weapons can be used at the event.

While asked how many mandals out of all 3,387 will get videographed, DCP Ashok Dudhe, official spokesperson of the Mumbai police, said, “Most of the pandals will be under video surveillance.” However, he refused to give the exact number of the pandals that will be videographed.

Senior officials of police stations across the city will keep a close eye on the Govinda festival in their jurisdiction. To save citizens from traffic jam and crowd, the police will set up barricades on roads and streets, Mr Dudhe said.

The police headquarters has sent copies of the SC order to all the senior inspectors of all police stations, Mr Dudhe further added.

Regarding violators if any, of the SC guidelines, he said, “The FIR or NC will get registered on the nature of the violation.”