Violence-free Hanuman Jayanti: Troops guard the streets, drones in the sky

Security has been stepped up across the country for the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, after incidents of violence were reported in Bihar and West Bengal on Ram Navami.

The forces are leaving nothing to chance and the entire event is being monitored by scores of security personnel on the ground and drones in the air. On Wednesday the Centre had asked all states to step up vigil and monitor any factor that could disturb peace and harmony.

The Home Ministry said that the central armed forces had been deployed in West Bengal to assist the police during the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.

West Bengal had seen the worst violence after incidents of fire-bombings were reported from Hooghly and Howrah during the Ram Navami celebrations. Several vehicles were torched and shops ransacked in Howrah.

At Jahangirpuri in northwest Delhi, which had witnessed violence during the Hanuman Jayanti the situation is being monitored closely. The security personnel are in constant consultation with the organisers to ensure that nothing untoward takes place.

Paramilitary troops have also been deployed in Jahangirpuri to help the Delhi Police ahead of the Hanuman Jayanti processions. Riot control vehicles have also been stationed in the area.

Special CP, Law and order, Deependra Pathak said that "Hanuman Jayanti celebration at Jahangirpuri is being regulated in consultation with the organisers. We are ensuring that it takes place in safe and secure manner."

Four paramilitary groups have been deployed apart from the local police deployment. We are using drones to monitor the situation, DCP North West, Jitendra Meena told the media. The yatra is being allowed near S Block near Jahangirpuri PS and E Block upto Kushal Chowk.

The police have been constantly patrolling the area to ensure that there is no let up in law and order.

The police said that the organisers had sought permission for the Hanuman Jayanti procession in the Jahangirpuri area and the route has been regularised.

On April 4, the Delhi Police had initially denied permission for the yatra. However the decision was changed after the organisers wrote to the police asking them to reconsider the decision.

"The procession organisers will follow the approved routes. Around 200-300 people will participate in one procession and around 500 people are expected to take part in another procession," Meena told ANI.