City police were put on high alert following terror attacks in Delhi on Wednesday morning, even as tension prevailed the previous night at Madannapet here after devotees alleged that stones were pelted while taking out a Ganesh idol for immersion.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner, A. K. Khan, reviewed security arrangements in the backdrop of Delhi attack and directed that security be tightened at all public places, including the High Court building and other court complexes. A special security plan would be evolved for the High Court with the inputs from different government wings, security agencies and local police.
“Better access control measures will be initiated. Decisions will be taken on matters like issuing passes or identity cards to persons visiting High Court,” a police officer said. Issues like deploying security personnel at vulnerable points around the building would also be discussed.
As huge congregations were spotted at Ganesh pandals, the need for security sanitisation was emphasised on and pandal organisers were advised to take precautions. Mr. Khan visited the massive Ganesh idol at Khairatabad and appealed to people to alert the police if they stumble upon any unclaimed object or come across suspicious persons.
While the police detained some persons for questioning in connection with the alleged desecration of Ganesh idols at Kurmaguda in Madannapet, tension prevailed at Madannapet mandi junction when Ganesh devotees staged demonstration alleging that stones were pelted at them while taking an idol for immersion on Tuesday night.
The idol procession started from Reinbazar and reached Madannapet mandi when the devotees reportedly changed the route. On reaching a locality with mixed population, the police forcibly stopped the procession participants from using drums.
Irked by this, the devotees picked up an argument with the police who resorted to mild lathi-charge. “The protestors then alleged that unidentified persons hurled stones at them slightly damaging the idol,” Mirchowk ACP, M. Kishtaiah, said. However, no person was injured in the incident.
