Sajjanar Orders Tight Security for Bonalu Festival in Secunderabad and Hyderabad

City Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar on Tuesday directed officials to establish comprehensive security arrangements for the upcoming Ashada Masam Bonalu festival, which is scheduled to be celebrated across Hyderabad from July 16 to August 13. Conducting a review of the preparedness through a video conference, Sajjanar assessed security measures at key temple sites including Golconda, Balkampet, the Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad, and Lal Darwaza.

During the meeting, the commissioner sought detailed updates from senior police officers regarding the safety measures currently being implemented at the field level. He described the first 15 days of the festival, which begins with the Golconda Bonalu, as highly crucial. In light of this, he instructed officials to make strategic security deployments tailored to the anticipated influx of devotees at each location.

Sajjanar also referred to previous review meetings conducted by ministers Konda Surekha and Ponnam Prabhakar. He directed the police force to implement the instructions of the ministers on the ground. This implementation is to be done in close coordination with all concerned government departments to facilitate a peaceful darshan for all visiting devotees.

To prevent any untoward incidents during the month-long celebrations, the commissioner ordered the deployment of various specialized units. These will include local police, task force personnel, the rapid action force, the city armed reserve, and quick reaction teams. Furthermore, officials were instructed to install public address systems around the temple premises to keep the public continuously informed.

The safety of women devotees was highlighted as a major priority for the department. Sajjanar directed SHE Teams to maintain continuous surveillance throughout the festival. He recalled that 644 eve-teasers were apprehended during previous Bonalu celebrations, prompting him to instruct officials to intensify measures against eve-teasing, chain snatching, mobile phone theft, and pickpocketing.

Finally, the commissioner stressed the need for effective traffic regulation around the temple areas. He directed officers to ensure adequate police deployment for Bonalu processions, Pothuraju performances, and Ghatam processions. Sajjanar urged the entire force to replicate the efficient arrangements of previous years to ensure the festival is conducted peacefully.