New Delhi [India], November 3 : The Delhi Police, along with paramilitary personnel, conducted a flag march in the bustling Sadar Bazar area ahead of Diwali to strengthen security arrangements and instil a sense of safety among shoppers amid the expected festive rush.
As part of the enhanced security measures, the police have deployed Facial Recognition System (FRS) vans at major intersections, erected 'machans' (raised watchtowers) across congested market lanes and intensified foot patrolling to maintain surveillance and prevent any untoward incidents.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Sadar Bazar, Sonu Kumar, said the flag march was conducted to reassure visitors and deter anti-social elements during the festive season.
"This flag march was conducted regarding the Diwali festival, for the people who are visiting the market for shopping, to ensure their security and to instil confidence in them. We conduct such marches daily so that shoppers remain assured of their safety, know that the police are present around them, and have no reason to panic," ACP Sonu Kumar said.
Highlighting the arrangements to manage the expected festive crowd, the officer said regular patrolling and public announcements were being carried out to prevent congestion and ensure smooth movement in the market.
"To control the crowd, regular patrolling is being carried out. At key points, public announcement systems have been installed, through which continuous announcements are made round the clock advising people not to gather at one place," the ACP said.
He further said additional security personnel had been deployed and surveillance had been intensified at sensitive locations across the market.
"Apart from this, we are conducting regular patrols with outer forces. FRS (Facial Recognition System) vans have been deployed at major intersections (chowks), and machans have been set up in the busy lanes of the market to maintain heightened surveillance," he added.
The measures are aimed at managing the large number of shoppers expected to visit Sadar Bazar during the Diwali shopping period, while ensuring effective monitoring of crowded areas and maintaining law and order.
Police personnel remain on high alert across key commercial hubs and marketplaces in the national capital, with enhanced patrolling and surveillance arrangements in place to prevent any untoward incidents during the festive season.