UP: Allahabad police launch drive to identify 'hooligans' on Holi

ALLAHABAD: With barely four days left for the festival of colours, the range police have launched a thana wise drive to identify people who have been accused of creating ruckus during Holi in recent years.
The cops, however, on Wednesday issued a strict warning to revellers -- only Holi, no hooliganism.
IG ( Prayagraj range) KP Singh told TOI that, "we have already launched a drive to identify people who had earlier been accused of creating troubles during Holi”. He added that the list of such persons was being prepared thana wise and their activities would remain under police scanner.
He further added that strict security measures would be in place pre and post days of Holi and those found indulging in mischief or rumour mongering would be booked under appropriate sections.
Besides, a drive against production of illicit liquor was also under way in dehat pockets and over 20 persons were arrested so far on the charges of manufacturing illegal spurious liquor in trans Ganga and Yamuna areas.
Besides, the police have also prepared a list of spots where Holikas would be set for dahan. Around 300 "Holikas" would be set afire on March 9 here while colour will be played on March 10.
The police have also identified as many as 27 vulnerable pockets where rowdy elements had created nuisance in the past three years and all these pockets would be under police scanner. Moreover, the deployment of para-military forces along with PAC have also been made in the trouble-prone areas. The personnel of para military forces are conducting foot march on frequent intervals.
The city witnesses almost three days Holi celebrations and hence cops have a challenging task up their sleeve.
Meanwhile, senior range police authorities on Wednesday reviewed the security arrangements for the festival and a strict vigil is being maintained in old city pockets.
Senior cops have directed thana in-charges to keep a strict eye on people who roam in the streets after consuming liquor and become a spoilsport in others’ festivities.
Beat policemen have also been asked to keep a check on tipsy revellers since such people often create scenes on Holi day,” said IG.
He added that adequate security arrangements have been made in both rural and urban pockets and cops would remain mobile on the day.