In the wake of recent violence during cricket victory celebrations in Mhow, the police administration across Madhya Pradesh is on high alert to ensure peace during the upcoming Holi festival. More than 3,000 police personnel will be deployed in Bhopal, while around 2,000 officers will be stationed in Gwalior and Indore to maintain law and order.
Special security measures have been implemented, including drone surveillance in sensitive areas of Gwalior city. Police will take strict action against those driving under the influence of alcohol, and sound systems playing DJs without proper permission will be confiscated.
Preparations are underway across major cities such as Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Bhopal, Ujjain, and other districts. In Jabalpur, Inspector General (IG) Anil Singh Kushwaha convened a meeting with police officials, instructing them to remain vigilant and prevent any untoward incidents. Sensitive areas like Gohalpur, Hanumantal, and Aadhartal will have a heavy police presence from Thursday. Special strategies have been formulated to manage Holi processions and Friday prayers to avoid conflict. In some areas, the routes of the Holi processions have been altered to maintain public order, and IG Kushwaha will personally monitor the situation.
In Bhopal, authorities have identified 45 highly sensitive points. Over the next 48 hours, three and a half thousand police personnel will be deployed throughout the city, supported by five additional mobile vans patrolling all police station areas. Meetings with city security committees have been ongoing for the past two weeks, with community leaders assisting police in maintaining peace.
Indore is also stepping up its security measures. Additional Police Commissioner Amit Singh confirmed that alongside the regular police force, 1,000 personnel from the District Reserve Police (DRP) line and 500 members of the city security committee will be on duty. Around 250 members from the Mohalla Committees have also been mobilized to assist with security arrangements. All police zones and traffic units are on high alert, with meetings being conducted regularly to coordinate efforts.
Gwalior Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dharmveer Singh stated that approximately 2,000 police personnel would oversee the city's security. Drone surveillance will be conducted in sensitive areas, and over 100 mobile units, along with traffic police, will monitor major intersections and roads to prevent drunk driving. Checkpoints will be set up at strategic locations to slow down vehicles and facilitate inspections. Individuals found engaging in suspicious activities or creating disturbances will be detained until after the festival. Strict action will be taken against those carrying more than three passengers on two-wheelers and drunk drivers.
In addition, the Gwalior Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) urged residents to celebrate Holi responsibly and with mutual respect. He emphasized the need to keep noise levels within permissible limits, especially as school examinations are ongoing. The use of DJs is strictly prohibited without prior permission, and violators will face confiscation of equipment and registration of an FIR.
To enforce these measures, a team comprising the Tehsildar, officials from the Pollution Control Board, and police personnel has been tasked with monitoring sound levels and ensuring compliance with regulations.
The Madhya Pradesh police administration remains committed to ensuring a safe and peaceful Holi celebration while taking stringent action against any attempts to disrupt public harmony.
