Preparations for the celebrations of Diwali and Kali Puja are in full swing in West Bengal. Ahead of the celebrations, security was beefed up on Sunday in order to ensure peaceful celebrations in the state. Over 5,000 police personnel were deployed in Kolkata to maintain the law and order situation along with keeping a vigil on celebrations with illegal firecrackers, said officials. According to the news agency PTI, police officials were deployed at strategic locations in the city, besides shopping malls, markets, religious places, railway stations, and jetties.
Officials added that 21 police officers of Deputy Commissioner rank and 35 Assistant Commissioners were on duty.
Security was also amped up in nearby Barasat and Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas district where thousands of people are expected to visit the community Kali Puja pandals.
According to PTI, a similar security scenario was also observed in other major cities of the state including Siliguri, Asansol, Durgapur, and Kalyani.
A police official told PTI, "We have taken all precautionary measures in view of Kali Puja and Diwali celebrations. Our officers will maintain law and order, besides keeping a tab on whether banned firecrackers are being burst."
There will be around 21 police officers of deputy commissioner rank on duty, besides 35 assistant commissioners, he told the news agency on Saturday.
Fire and emergency services have been kept on standby and hospitals have been instructed to remain prepared to deal with emergencies, the officials added according to the PTI report.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday extended her greetings to the people of the state on occasion of Kali Puja and Diwali. "May the light and warmth of diya fill your lives with brightness and joy," she posted on X.
State BJP President Sukanta Majumdar also wished everyone on Kali Pooja. "May all the evil forces be destroyed by the arrival of Mother Kali. Good luck to all. Wishing everyone a very Happy Kali Puja," he wrote on X.