BHUBANESWAR: Shaken by the massive damage to public property during violence at Puri on October 3 over queue system in Jagannath temple, the state police have issued a circular to district superintendents of police (SPs), asking them to secure indemnity bonds from organisations or political parties when they seek permission to hold rallies, sit-ins, demonstrations or strikes. An indemnity bond offers financial security against losses. Once the indemnity bond is secured, the organisers would be liable to pay for any damage caused to the public property during their demonstrations.
Director general of police (DGP) R P Sharma said the regulation is imperative to ensure smooth peaceful rallies and dharnas, which at times turned violent and caused damage to public property in the past. “We took serious note of the
Puri violence and issued an advisory to SPs through the Crime Branch to take steps to prevent mob violence and damage to public property. The Supreme Court had also directed all states to ensure protection of public property and fix liabilities on organisers of dharnas and demonstrations for any damage to the public assets,” Sharma told TOI.
According to the police advisory, inspector general of police (Crime Branch) has been appointed as the state nodal officer to coordinate with district SPs ensure violent-free demonstrations, dharnas, rallies and bandhs. In the circular, the SPs have been strictly asked to implement the Supreme Court’s previous orders to contain mob violence and imposition of fine on the organisations, whose demonstrations or rallies turn violent. The circular also laid stress on strengthening of the intelligence network of police in districts.
The Puri police had drawn flak for failing to gauge the intensity of the October 3 bandh that was announced by Jagannath Sena, the organiser, on October 1. Jagannath Sena had called the bandh, opposing the introduction of queue system for devotees in Jagannath temple. Taking advantage of the inadequate deployment of police forces, the agitators went bunkers, set ablaze temporary traffic posts, ransacked the assets in the Jagannath temple office, vandalized the property in the residence of revenue minister Maheswar Mohanty and damaged government vehicles.
Apprehending trouble during ensuing Durga Puja and other festivities, DGP Sharma has also asked all SPs to secure indemnity bonds from the Puja organisers. “I have asked the SPs to coordinate with the Puja committees to ensure hassle-free and peaceful festival ahead. Puja committees should pledge that their festival and immersion procession would be peaceful. They need to furnish a written undertaking to refrain from indulging or promoting violence of any sort. If any damage to the public property happens during the festivals or immersion processions, the organisers should be held responsible and asked to pay for the damages,” Sharma said.