Kodagu police will deploy 1,421 officers and staff in Madikeri for Dasara celebrations on October 21, with additional women personnel, anti-sabotage teams, dog squads and motorcycle patrols planned to manage public safety during the festivities.
Kodagu Superintendent of Police Bindumani said security arrangements had been made for Vijayadashami celebrations in Madikeri and Gonikoppal. In Madikeri, the force will be deployed during the tableau procession organised by the 10-temple committee.
The deployment includes women personnel from the Pink Force, including 25 women police sub-inspectors. Eight women’s safety teams, referred to by police as “Jumbo” teams, will be positioned to help prevent incidents targeting women spectators. The police said special attention would be given to preventing eve-teasing and other atrocities against women during the celebrations.
The arrangements reflect the operational demands created when large public gatherings use town roads, public spaces and procession routes at the same time. Along with crowd-facing personnel, the police plan to patrol secluded areas of Madikeri to address safety concerns beyond the main event locations.
Ten Cheetah bikes will be deployed for beat duty, allowing personnel to move through the city during the festivities. Police said an anti-sabotage check team and a dog squad would also be present to prevent illegal activities and conduct security checks.
The police have prohibited the sale of face masks and whistles during the celebrations. The restrictions form part of the department’s event-security plan, alongside visible patrols and checks intended to support the smooth conduct of the tableau show.
Similar security arrangements will be made in Gonikoppal in South Kodagu. The police did not provide a separate personnel figure for the town in the information released about the preparations.
The arrangements will remain focused on the October 21 Dasara celebrations in both towns, with police personnel assigned to crowd safety, women’s security, patrolling and anti-sabotage checks.
