For a safer Holi, cops to fortify vulnerable spots

New Delhi: Ahead of Holi, Police Control Room (PCR) calls generally increase substantially. This year, Delhi Police have geared up to identify vulnerable spots and will heightened the security arrangements there ahead of the festival of colours.

Delhi Police data accessed by Millennium Post shows that last year, during a day before Holi and on the day of the festival, police received around 25,000 calls. "In many cases, we have found that several calls were made for one case, which is why the numbers of calls was high," said a police officer.

Last year, the PCR personnel of Delhi Police responded to more than 8,000 calls on March 12, a day before Holi, while more than 11,000 calls were attended on the day of Holi.Meanwhile, personnel of local police took action in more than 5,900 police calls.

Sources told Millennium Post they are scrutinising PCR calls to make sure this Holi goes crime free.

''Through the calls, we are identifying places where the highest number of calls are received, after which security will be heightened," said a police official.

During Holi, calls about quarrels and scuffles are received in high numbers. Last year, the highest number of calls, i.e. over 2,000, were received from Outer Delhi and Rohini districts.

The least number of calls came from New Delhi district.

Thickly populated areas will see heightened security, with policemen guarding the borders connecting different districts.

Delhi Police will also hold meetings with their 'eyes and ears', i.e. street vendors and shopkeepers, and ask them to report and suspicious activities in their locality. Meanwhile, extra force will be deployed on Delhi roads that connect important places to avoid untoward incidents.

The Delhi Police's community policing scheme 'Prahari' will also help prevent crime and maintain law and order.