Immersion, Telangana March keep cops on toes

The stage is all set to bid adieu to Lord Ganesha on Saturday over massive security cover across Hyderabad, particularly at the stretch from Old City to Tank Bund.

It is estimated that about 7,000 idols, a majority in humongous sizes will be immersed.

The Ganesh immersion may continue on Sunday also, with the shadow of Telangana march hovering around it.

 However, the police have chalked out their strategy to meet any untoward incident.

 Police sources told Express that eight IPS officers have been roped in from other parts of the state to assist Hyderabad city police in supervising the immersion proceedings.

 About 50 platoons of AP special police (APSP), 57 platoons of armed reserve (AR) and 13 companies of central para-military forces are deployed across the city.

 Besides 13 SP rank officers, 18 additional SPs, 82 DSPs, 131 inspectors, 600 sub-inspectors, 717 assistant sub-inspectors, 4121 constables, 124 women constables and 2131 home guards are being positioned.

 Hyderabad police commissioner Anurag Sharma and his colleagues are likely to keep a watch on the proceedings atop Charminar.

 Sources said that about 7,000 idols, a majority of them above five feet, will be immersed in Hussain Sagar lake on Saturday.

“In view of Telangana march, we have insisted the organisers hurry up with the immersion. We are keeping our fingers crossed,” a senior official said. The main focus would be south zone (old city).

Last year, the last Ganesh procession crossed south zone around 10.30 but the main challenge for the police would be to ensure quick immersion at Tank Bund, which is described as a tough task.

 Every year the immersion spills over to the subsequent day and continues till evening.

 This time it is matter of concern for the city police whose prime focus is also the Telangana march.

 “We have divided the forces in such a manner that many of them, particularly para-military forces, will be deployed only for the Telangana march.

 We are still hopeful that the TJAC members may shift the venue of their march,” the officer said.