Delhi will continue to remain on high alert despite no violence being reported after the pronouncement of the sentence against rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh on Monday.
Speaking to reporters here, Delhi Police spokesperson Madhur Verma said all security arrangements would likely be in place for the next few days lest violence broke out again.
Elaborate arrangements
Over a dozen cases of arson were reported from the Capital on Friday after the guilty verdict was pronounced. Fifteen people were subsequently arrested.
“There was a lot of anticipation surrounding the pronouncement of the sentence. Due to this, the Delhi Police made elaborate security arrangements across the city. All of our senior officers were out patrolling,” said Mr. Verma.
Sensitive areas
In addition, Central paramilitary forces, districts reserves and Commissioner of Police reserve battalions were pooled in to ensure swift law and order.
Mr. Verma said one person was arrested from the north-east district for allegedly spreading rumours.
“We had never said that schools would remain shut or there would be any traffic diversions. The accused, however, spread these rumours to create panic among people,” he said.
He added that vigil would continue in sensitive areas such as religious places, airport, bus stands and railway stations.
Measures taken
“Police personnel in plainclothes will be there to keep a watch on any suspicious activity,” said Mr. Verma.
In areas bordering Ghaziabad and Haryana, there is heavy deployment of forces. “We have also placed pickets there,” he said.
Over 110 entry points to Delhi from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are under surveillance.
Enforcement of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code will continue in areas it has been imposed.
“This is a precautionary measure and we will make sure that only those who try to assemble and create nuisance are arrested,” Mr. Verma added.