Latest news with #anti-Romeo
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Kanwar Yatra begins, routes turn into vibrant hubs of devotion
MEERUT The holy month of Sawan began on Friday, marking the start of Kanwar Yatra across Uttar Pradesh with Lord Shiva devotees (Kanwariyas) setting out to collect holy water from the Ganga from Haridwar and other holy sites to offer 'Jalabhishek' at Shiva temples. Meerut and Bareilly came alive with spiritual fervour, colourful processions and robust administrative arrangements. (HH Photo) Meerut and Bareilly came alive with spiritual fervour, colourful processions and robust administrative arrangements. The Meerut administration prepared eight designated routes to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. 'All these routes are equipped with electrical connections, sanitation facilities and medical camps to ensure devotees face no obstacles,' said divisional commissioner (Meerut) Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod. The 540-km Kanwar route in the Meerut range, spanning Meerut, Bulandshahr, Baghpat and Hapur, features 119 security barriers, 184 rest points and 838 temporary camps. Additionally, 184 magistrates are overseeing 24 zones and 68 sectors, monitoring road cleanliness, food quality, and camp operations. 'We've ensured food outlets display rate lists to prevent overcharging and provide hygienic meals,' Yashod added. The UP Police, under DGP Rajiv Krishna, has deployed 587 gazetted officers, 2,040 inspectors, 13,520 sub-inspectors and over 39,965 constables, supported by 50 companies of the Central Police Force and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC). 'Our priority is a peaceful pilgrimage while maintaining law and order,' said SP Kunwar Anupam Singh, emphasizing route inspections and coordination with local committees. In Bareilly, a special Kanwar cell operates 24/7 to monitor activities and assist devotees. DIG Ajay Kumar Sahani detailed the deployment of 6,000 police personnel across eight super zones, 26 zones, 78 sectors and 218 sub-sectors. 'We've deployed 26 PAC platoons, one RAF company, and a flood relief PAC platoon to prevent drowning incidents,' Sahani said. Special measures for women Kanwariyas include 'anti-Romeo squads' and women constables under Mission Shakti. 'We've ensured separate toilets and resting facilities for women,' Sahani noted, adding that DJ operators are instructed to avoid provocative music to prevent communal tensions. The Yatra's festive spirit transformed Meerut and Bareilly into vibrant hubs. Kanwariyas, chanting 'Bum Bum Bhole', were seen marching in processions, adorned with flowers, bells and tridents, amid devotional songs. Temporary stalls offered 'prasad', saffron flags and Shiva idols, while volunteers distributed water and food. 'This Yatra is my heart's joy. Singing bhajans with fellow devotees feels divine,' said Sunita Devi, a Bareilly-based Kanwariya. However, some pilgrims noted challenges. 'The arrangements are good, but overcrowding can be tough. We trust the police to manage,' said Ramesh Kumar from Meerut. Pawan Kumar, a pilgrim from Hapur, added: 'The roads are smoother and the food transparency is a big relief. It lets us focus on our devotion to Bhole.' However, despite the festive zeal, unlawful activities surfaced. In Muzaffarnagar, Kanwariyas reportedly assaulted a youth and damaged his motorcycle over a minor altercation. 'Such acts disrupt the Yatra's sanctity and create fear,' said a police officer. In Bareilly, past tensions from Sawan 2023, when Kanwariyas clashed with with some members of another community in Jogi Nawada, led to restricted procession permissions this year. 'We've intensified vigilance to prevent law and order issues,' said SSP (Bareilly) Anurag Arya.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
‘Anti-Romeo squads' deployed in Bareilly for women kanwariyas' safety
Dehradun: Bareilly police have deployed 'anti-Romeo squads' along the kanwar yatra route in Bareilly zone to prevent harassment of women pilgrims and enforce security ahead of the yatra, which begins on Friday. Officials introduced several measures, including route diversions, identity checks, and deployment of women constables, in response to the rising number of female devotees undertaking the pilgrimage. DIG (Bareilly zone) Ajay Kumar Sahani told TOI, "We're making special arrangements for women pilgrims. Arrangements for separate toilets and resting facilities are being made. Additionally, we have also deployed the dedicated women constables to particularly focus on the women under the Mission Shakti initiative. Along with it, anti-Romeo squads have been activated to keep strict vigilance. They are asked to take strict action if any woman faces any criminal activity. " The yatra has seen a rise in participation from women in recent years. In response, Uttar Pradesh Police have introduced targeted security arrangements under Mission Shakti, a state initiative aimed at safeguarding women in public spaces. Sahani said, "These arrangements have been made considering the increase in the number of women pilgrims in past years. We have distributed Bareilly, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, and Pilibhit into eight super-zones, 26 zones, 78 sectors, and 218 sub-sectors and have deployed almost 6,000 police officials. All camps should install CCTV cameras for better surveillance." He said all kanwariyas must carry valid ID cards and revealed that individuals with prior criminal records had already been served notices to prevent any disruptions along the route. Police have ordered DJs not to play provocative or controversial music. "We have also strictly ordered the DJ operators not to play controversial music that would hurt someone's sentiments. If any such thing is done, we will lodge an FIR against the accused," Sahani added. The state govt has also banned the sale of meat and alcohol along the kanwar route and directed heavy vehicles to take alternate roads as part of a route diversion plan. In addition, each camp is required to install CCTV cameras, and women help desks have been established for immediate support in case of emergencies.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Time of India
37 criminals arrested in 33 encounters in Pratapgarh in past 11 months
1 2 P rayagraj: In the past 11 months, as many as 37 criminals were arrested along with their 54 accomplices in a total of 33 police encounters in the neighbouring Pratapgarh district. Most of these criminals carried cash rewards ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 for their arrest. Pratapgarh police also arrested over 110 gangsters and history-sheeters,. SP (Pratapgarh) Dr Anil Kumar told TOI, "Cops have demonstrated excellent competence in surveillance and crime prevention, particularly in monitoring criminal activities involving gangsters and history-sheeters." In the past week, five criminals with criminal records and wanted by police in Pratapgarh, Amethi, Sultanpur, and other districts were injured in separate encounters in Lalganj, Baghrai, Kandhai, Leelapur, and Sangipur police circles. Notorious criminals, including Panchlal Verma, Hasamtullah, Virendra Yadav, Pinku and Abdul Rab, were also injured and arrested in separate encounters. Interestingly, women cops have also played vital roles in building an intelligence network to tighten the noose around criminals and gangsters and even managed to arrest seven women with criminal records so far. As part of Pratapgarh district police's enhanced crime-fighting initiative, cops posted in all 26 police stations were assigned one specific target (one cop – one criminal) to enlist criminals circle/thana-wise, surveil their activities and ensure stern actions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Additionally, anti-Romeo squad members are also engaged with women and girls in the community, raising awareness about emergency helplines such as 1090, 1076, and Dial 112. The SP, meanwhile, said, "To build up an intelligence network of gangsters, history-sheeters, and professional criminals, every beat constable, both men and women, are being assigned special tasks to maintain a strict eye on the activities of wanted criminals and initiate concrete action to ensure their arrests in all 26 police stations of the district." The SP claims that the revised strategy has helped cops compile updated inputs on lawbreakers as well as a new beat system where officers focus on specific criminals in their designated areas. Moreover, outstanding performance is recognised through cash rewards and certificates, and over 70 policemen were felicitated with rewards and certificates. Notably, all beat constables are armed with the 'Prahari' app, wherein they are updating details of prominent places in their area, reputed persons, updates on criminals and gangsters whether lodged in jail or on bail, religious places, banks, etc. According to the SP, officers have compiled thana-wise lists of criminals, implementing a one officer-one criminal monitoring system to dismantle criminal networks in the district and surrounding areas. Pratapgarh police have also recorded the highest number of FIRs under the Gangsters Act (exceeding 130) in the state. Both male and female police officers received recognition for their achievements. Women officers particularly excelled in intelligence gathering (Suragkasi), leading to the arrest of more than 30 suspects involved in vehicle theft and robbery.
