Police to check anti-social elements during Holi

New Delhi, Mar 12: With Holi just three days away, Delhi police have announced several measures to keep a check on anti-social elements in the national capital during the festival.

Delhi Police Commissioner K K Paul, in an order, has proclaimed prohibitory orders for the next eleven days, beginning yesterday.

Indiscriminate throwing of coloured water, rubber balloons containing coloured water, smearing colour on any unwilling person and riotous and indecent behaviour by Holi revellers has been banned.

Willfully pushing, pressing, hustling or obstructing any person in a public place has also been banned.

The balloon being sold should not exceed more than two inches in size when not inflated, said the order.

Besides this, the order said, nothing should be done to cause annoyance to the public or danger to life or disturbance of public tranquility.

Any person contravening the order will be punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

Police and the Delhi University in coordination with voluntary organisations have initiated ''internal and external'' steps to check any untoward incident, particularly harassment of women, on the campus and colleges.

''Some people take advantage of Holi and indulge in hooliganism...

Delhi University is determined to take action to curb disturbances,'' a senior University official said.

He said anyone who violates discipline and causes harassment would be subject to strict disciplinary action under the provisions of the University Ordinances XV-B and XV-C.

Police has been deployed at various strategic points around colleges and mobile patrol squads have also been posted to prevent any mishap.

Lady Officers have been placed on special duty around women's colleges.

''Law Enforcing agencies will maintain a constant vigil and student volunteers will also assist the authorities,'' he added.

A Joint Control Room has been set up by Police, DTC and University officials in the North as well as the South Campuses to provide immediate assistance to students.

The University has requested the Transport authorities to check harassment of girl students in buses and also asked DTC crews to take buses to the nearest police station if any incident occurs on board.

UNI