Security tightened across state ahead for Bakrid

Patna: Chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting via video conference with senior officers from all districts to review security arrangements ahead of the Bakrid festival.He directed district magistrates (DMs), superintendents of police (SPs), DIGs and IGs to keep the administration on high alert during the festival. Emphasising peaceful and harmonious celebrations, he asked officials to maintain strict vigil on anti-social elements from early morning and closely monitor social media activity. All districts were instructed to complete preparations in advance to prevent any situation that could lead to tension.Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar stressed that the three-day festival must be conducted in a completely peaceful manner. He directed that route marches be carried out by riot control, police and district forces at sacrifice sites and in sensitive areas.Officers were asked to maintain heightened surveillance in vulnerable localities and ensure adequate availability of riot control vehicles and body protective gear. The DGP also directed identification of potential troublemakers for preventive action and called for intensified patrolling and night rounds across all police stations.Special branch and STF DG Kundan Krishnan directed police to begin flag marches from 4 am across all districts. He emphasised continuous monitoring in mixed-population areas and at religious sites to maintain communal harmony, and asked officials to act promptly on any intelligence indicating possible untoward incidents.