Thousand Cops Secure Bonalu Festivities

In preparation for the Bonalu festival, the Hyderabad police are set to deploy around 1000 officers to ensure comprehensive security for the festivities in the Old City on Sunday, July 28, and Monday, July 29. The festival, a significant cultural event, will see various processions and rituals requiring meticulous planning and supervision.

Senior police officials will oversee security arrangements at key temples, including the Simhavahini Mahankali temple at Lal Darwaza, the Akkanna Madanna temple at Hari Bowli, the Bhagyalaxmi temple at Charminar, as well as other temples in Chatrinaka, Miralam Mandi, Aliabad, and Uppuguda. This deployment aims to ensure the peaceful conduct of the festivities, safeguarding the large number of devotees expected to participate.

The security force will comprise units from the Rapid Action Force, Telangana Special Police, Commissioner’s Task Force, City Armed Reserve, mounted police, and civil police. Bomb disposal and detection squads will conduct frequent checks during the Bonalu processions to mitigate any potential threats.

In addition to these measures, barricading has been implemented at major temples to facilitate the orderly movement of devotees. The Hyderabad police’s SHE Team will also be on duty to monitor and prevent any instances of misbehavior, particularly to protect women attending the festivities.

On Monday evening, a major procession will be taken out from all participating temples. A highlight of the Bonalu procession will be an elephant carrying the ‘ghatam’ from the Hari Bowli temple. This traditional aspect of the festival attracts many devotees and visitors, including several VVIPs who are expected to visit the Old City temples for prayers.

The entire operation will be monitored from the command and control center at Banjara Hills and a mobile command control center stationed in the Old City. According to Sneha Mehra, DCP South Zone, these measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of all participants, allowing for a peaceful and joyous celebration of the Bonalu festival.

By deploying a substantial security force and employing advanced monitoring techniques, the Hyderabad police demonstrate their commitment to maintaining public safety during one of the city’s most cherished festivals. The meticulous planning and execution aim to provide a secure environment for devotees, allowing them to partake in the Bonalu festivities without concern.

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