The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has sounded an alert of possible communal clashes during festival processions in Karnataka with special inputs for Bangalore, Belgaum, Hubli, Bhatkal, Udpi Managalore. The IB has warned about a possibility of communal violence ahead of General elections, early next year.
With a view to maintain law and order during the night-long Ganesh immersion procession in the city on September 18, the police have made elaborate bandobast arrangements by deploying adequate forces all over the city.
Superintendent of Police Chandragupta said that there were as many as 3,795 Ganesh pandals all over the district, with 370 in Belgaum city alone, which will be participating in the processions. Anti-social elements had been summoned to police stations and warned against creating any problem.
In addition to himself, five Additional SPs, 22 Dy.SPs, 48 CPIs, 174 PSIs, 249 ASIs, 3792 constables, besides 25 platoons each of Karnataka State Reserve Police and District Armed Reserved forces and two platoons of Rapid Action Force would be deployed in the city and other parts of the district. This apart, 30 CCTV cameras had been installed.