57,000 COPS STAND GUARD

LUDHIANA : Acting on intelligence inputs, the Punjab Police have made unprecedented arrangements in view of the verdict in Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s case to be pronounced on Friday.

According to senior police officials, out of the total police force of around 70,000, more than 50,000 have been deployed in the field, bringing the routine work in police stations to a complete standstill.

Around 7,000 personnel from the central security forces have also been deputed in Punjab, making the total force on guard more than 57,000.

A senior official deployed in the administration wing of the state police said out of the total 21 reserved battalions of Punjab Police, comprising more than 28,000 personnel, at least 70% had been placed on special duty in the past four days.

Since a large number of dera followers are based in Malwa region, central forces have been spread out in all districts there, while the state police force is standing guard in Doaba and Majha.

An SSP posted in Malwa region, said the force had been directed to restrict the movement of dera followers and take strict action if needed.

Punjab director general of police (DGP) Suresh Arora, who briefed the chief minister about the security cover on Thursday, said given the state’s history of clashes involving the dera followers, the security arrangements had been amplified to avoid any tension.