Mumbai deploys 12,000 police personnel for political rallies, Durga immersion processions

To manage traffic flow, police have implemented route restrictions and diversions to ensure smooth vehicular movement around the rally locations.

Mumbai is gearing up for a busy day on October 12, with over 12,000 police personnel assigned throughout the city to ensure public safety during various political rallies and Goddess Durga immersion processions, according to a report by PTI. 

The security arrangements come as the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) plans its annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park, while the rival faction, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, will gather at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai.

A senior police official told PTI that extensive security measures are in place at both venues, anticipating large crowds from across the state. In total, the deployment will include six additional commissioners, 27 deputy commissioners, 54 assistant commissioners, and 2,300 officers dedicated to maintaining law and order during the events.

Specialised units, including the state reserve police force (SRPF), quick response teams (QRT), riot control units, delta forces, and home guards, have also been mobilized to monitor the situation.

To manage traffic flow, police have implemented route restrictions and diversions to ensure smooth vehicular movement around the rally locations.

Shiv Sena leader and former MP Rahul Shewale indicated that approximately 200,000 supporters are expected to attend the rally at Azad Maidan to hear from the Chief Minister. To accommodate attendees, the Shinde-led Sena has arranged for 3,000 private buses to transport workers to the event, with some 750 buses coming from Nashik.

In the lead-up to the rallies, Uddhav Thackeray is expected to criticize the BJP for its role in dividing the party during his speech, highlighting the ongoing political tensions in the state ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.