Gujarat Police has prepared a statewide security plan for more than 22,000 registered garba events during Navratri, with increased patrolling, women-focused surveillance, cyber monitoring and mandatory screening measures planned across urban and rural venues.
The police chief has directed all district superintendents of police and police commissioners to remain on alert and increase patrols during the festival. The arrangements cover sensitive metropolitan areas as well as smaller towns and rural locations where large crowds are expected to gather.
Women police personnel will be deployed in uniform and plain clothes at garba venues, crowded approach roads, shopping zones and party plots. She Teams will also maintain a continuous watch inside and around garba grounds. Some women police personnel will be stationed in traditional clothing and are expected to monitor the venues from within the crowds.
Police said action will be taken against people accused of harassment, indecent behaviour or molestation attempts. Personnel will also monitor for individuals who enter venues dressed as participants and allegedly attempt to target women or young people. The report did not specify the number of personnel being deployed or the individual arrangements for each venue.
Garba organisers have been issued security guidelines requiring separate entry and exit gates, high-definition CCTV cameras across the premises, door-frame metal detectors, hand-held metal detectors and breath analysers. The measures are intended to regulate crowd access, identify prohibited items and support surveillance at venues hosting large gatherings.
The security plan also includes round-the-clock monitoring by the cybercrime police. Authorities will track online content that could disturb social harmony, including objectionable comments about deities, obscene material and audio or video content that may hurt religious sentiments. Police have warned that people spreading rumours could face immediate FIRs and arrest under strict provisions of the Information Technology Act.
The arrangements place responsibility on both the police and event organisers. While the police plan includes patrols, women’s safety teams and cyber monitoring, organisers are expected to provide the physical screening and surveillance infrastructure specified in the guidelines. The report does not state whether compliance inspections have already been completed at all 22,000-plus events.
Gujarat Police has appealed to residents to report suspicious activity or emergencies to the local police control room or the emergency helpline 112. The statewide security deployment will remain focused on maintaining public safety and order during the Navratri celebrations.
