Mumbai: On the occasion of Ram Navami, police across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, are on high alert. In view of the celebrations, Mumbai Police conducted route marches in several sensitive areas including Andheri, Jogeshwari, and MIDC. The march covered the route from Sankat Mochan Temple in Andheri MIDC to Chakala, Marol Pipeline, Marol Maroshi Road, and the Aarey Check Naka.
According to police sources, heightened vigilance is being maintained following a recent incident in Malad's Pathanwadi area during Gudi Padwa. Authorities have issued strict directives for areas where Ram Navami processions (shobha yatras) are scheduled. Strong police deployment has been planned to maintain law and order during these events.
As per official figures released by Mumbai Police, a total of 13,580 personnel have been deployed across the city. This includes 20 Deputy Commissioners (DCPs), 51 Assistant Commissioners (ACPs), 2,500 officers, 11,000 constables, and 9 companies of SRPF. Riot control units and Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS) will also be on standby.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Satyanarayan Chaudhary stated that all necessary preparations have been completed. Special attention is being given to sensitive areas that have previously reported tensions. Police officers will be present on the streets throughout the day to ensure peace.
Sources from the Maharashtra Police said statewide alerts have been issued to prevent any untoward incidents. Security has been enhanced in areas that have witnessed tensions in the past, and drone surveillance is being used to monitor such locations. In some cities, local police have been instructed to be cautious while granting permissions for processions, especially in areas with large Muslim populations where processions pass near mosques.
In Nagpur, where violence was reported recently, heavy security has also been arranged for Ram Navami processions. Over 2,000 police personnel will be deployed along the route which begins from the famous Poddareshwar Ram Temple and passes through Hansapuri, Shaheed Chowk, Kotwali, Subhash Road, Cotton Market, and Sitabuldi before returning to the temple.
