Hyderabad police deploy 2,500 personnel for Bonalu festival in Secunderabad

Hyderabad police have deployed 2,500 personnel and drawn up extensive security and crowd management measures for the Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Bonalu Festival in Secunderabad. Special queue lines, dedicated teams for Joginis and Shivashaktulus, and AI‑enabled CCTV surveillance form part of the arrangements.

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Police have deployed 2,500 police personnel and planned extensive security and crowd management measures for the Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Bonalu Festival in Secunderabad, to ensure devotees have a safe and hassle-free darshan.

The arrangements were finalised during a coordination meeting held by Secunderabad DCP Rakshitha Krishna Murthy. Separate meetings were held with Shivashaktulu and Joginis and temple committee members.

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The DCP said comprehensive arrangements have been made in coordination with all departments to ensure smooth festival management.

Dedicated queue lines have been arranged for Joginis with entry from Bata Road, while two special coordination teams will assist Joginis and Shivashaktulu.

Two exclusive queue lines have also been set up for women carrying Bonalu, one from Bata Road and another from Rocha Bazar. Two general queue lines have been arranged for devotees, besides separate queues for pass holders to facilitate smooth movement.

Special security arrangements will be made for Oracle Matangi Swarnalatha, during the traditional Rangam programme.

Police said darshan for the general public will not be disrupted even during VIP visits.

To strengthen security, 10 plainclothes crime teams will be deployed from July 31 to monitor suspicious activities. The temple premises and surrounding areas will be under constant surveillance through CCTV cameras connected to the Mahankali Police Station.

In addition, AI-enabled CCTV cameras will be used to detect suspicious movements and enable swift action against anyone found suspicious.