Police, RAF jawans deployed to ensure peace in Capital
THE POLICE CONTROL ROOM RECEIVED SEVERAL CALLS BUT NO SERIOUS VIOLENCE WAS REPORTED FROM ANY AREA IN THE CAPITAL
NEWDELHI: As panic-stricken citizens rushed to banks and ATMs to exchange and withdraw money on Friday, the police had to step in to keep order.
In some places, the anti-riot Rapid Action Force was also deployed.
A mad scramble for exchanging, depositing and withdrawing money was reported from banks across the Capital as the Centre demonetized 500 and 100 banknotes from Wednesday.
Even though the banks are working extra hours and the last date for getting the notes changed is December 30, people queued up before the banks since early morning on Friday.
The police said no serious incident was reported.
The extension of the deadline to exchange cash for the next 72 hours, however, brought relief and many people returned home.
“The police control room received several calls with people complaining that they were being pushed around and unable to withdraw cash,” a senior police officer said.
“We made sure policemen in adequate numbers are deployed to ensure discipline. Apart from the local police, help was sought from the armed police including the Rapid Action Force, Quick Reaction Teams and even the para military,” the officer said.
Security forces were also deployed at Kendriya Bhandar, Safal centres, pharmacies, hospitals, Mother Dairy outlets and petrol pumps.
“We requested all banks to put up a proper notice giving details to ensure that people are aware of the rules and required documents. Our volunteers were also on the spot to help people,” a police officer said.
Apart from police deployment patrolling staff also covered “vulnerable spots” across the capital.
“All senior officers including deputy commissioners and joint commissioners supervised the security arrangements,” said a senior officer.
“The station house officers were asked to patrol their police station limits each hour. They kept a strict check on the ATMs and banks in their areas,” the officer said.