Khordha (Odisha): Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across seven districts under Odisha's Central Range for the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja and the upcoming idol immersion processions, Inspector General of Police (Central Range, Cuttack) Satyajit Naik said on Wednesday, ANI reported.

"There are 1,243 Durga Puja mandaps in the seven districts of Central Range. We also have prominent Shaktipeeths in our range. So, elaborate, comprehensive police arrangements have been made for the celebration of Durga Puja and immersion processions. We have deployed more than 40 platoons of forces along with the Home Guards," Naik told ANI. A security review a day earlier put the deployment at 43 platoons, Binayak News reported.

Naik said all superintendents of police had been instructed to remain alert at all times, with field formations monitoring communal sensitivity, public order and logistics along designated immersion corridors, ANI reported. Drone surveillance, static CCTV cameras and mobile reconnaissance patrols have been integrated at vital intersections and high-density areas, and the deployed force will work with specialised reserve battalions and traffic wings, he said.

The Central Range review also covered Ravana Dahan on Vijayadashami and phased immersion processions continuing until October 26, with attention to barricading, fire safety, and entry and exit management at pandals and immersion ghats, Binayak News reported. Prominent Shakti shrines in the range include Maa Sarala, Maa Charchika, Maa Bhattarika and Maa Sirlo, the report said.

Sources: ANI via Latestly and Devdiscourse, Binayak News.