'Take steps against those visiting pandals in inebriated state'

Kolkata: Puja committees across the city have requested Kolkata Police to act tough against those visiting the pandals in an inebriated state. They have also urged the cops to take measures against those who create unnecessary ruckus inside the pandals to click selfies.

On Thursday evening, senior Kolkata Police officials including Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma met various representatives of the Puja committees at Rabindra Sadan. During the interactive session, almost all the Puja committees requested the police to keep a strict vigil over people visiting the mandaps, especially at night. It has been observed on earlier instances that people visit the pandals in huge numbers after consuming alcohol and create pandemonium.

Requests have been made to the police to prevent such people from entering the Puja pandals which would in turn result in running the whole process smoothly. This step will also prevent incidents like molestation or stalking of women.

Several Puja committees also felt that steps should be taken to prevent people from taking selfies inside the pandals which can, at times, block the pandal-hoppers and give rise to unnecessary congestion inside the pandal premises.

Sharma said: "Police will do everything to maintain the law and order situation and protect the citizens from any untoward incident. Regarding taking

selfies, we will request people not to do so which can create problems for other pandal-hoppers. The message will be circulated through social media as well."

The police have also been requested to look into the parking issue and arrange the same near the Puja pandals.