Over 7,500 cops deployed in Ghaziabad markets ahead of Diwali

GHAZIABAD: Ghaziabad police have deployed over 7,500 cops to maintain law and order during the Dhanteras and Diwali shopping period.
To protect shopkeepers and business owners during this festive season, the police are offering an escort service for people transporting cash from their businesses to their homes.
Those in need of assistance can notify their local police station before leaving.
The measures aim to reduce the rise in snatching and robbery cases that typically occur during the festive season.
According to commissioner of police Ajay Kumar Mishra, studies show that criminals often target business people returning home at night with cash. To combat this, the police are providing Cheetah vehicles to escort these individuals safely.
The police have identified 600 criminals from Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, Meerut, and surrounding areas, who have committed crimes in Ghaziabad.
As of Sunday night, 80% of the criminal verifications had been completed. More than 90% of these criminals are involved in robberies and two-wheeler thefts.
To counter this, police have established check posts at 115 locations across the district, inspecting all two-wheelers and other vehicles. Officers are removing helmets and masks from suspects during checks to match their identities against police records.
As people flock to NH-9, DME, Lal Kuan, and Kaushambi Bus Depot for transportation, the police have deployed officers at 51 key locations in various market areas to manage traffic.
ADCP Traffic Piyush Singh stated that over 600 traffic police officers are stationed at markets, highways, expressways, and busy depots to ensure smooth traffic flow. They have identified 28 congestion-prone locations and are taking measures to prevent road blockages during the festive period.
In addition to traffic management, the Ghaziabad fire department has identified 14 fire incident hotspots after reviewing last year’s data, which recorded 25 fire incidents on Diwali.
Chief fire officer (CFO) Rahul Pal announced the recent acquisition of three fire response bikes, deployed in Loni, Ghaziabad City, and Khora, to reach areas that larger vehicles cannot. Fire extinguishers have been placed at the identified hotspots and will be monitored 24/7 until Chhath Puja.