Patna: As Patna prepares for a 10-minute citywide blackout on Wednesday evening as part of a nationwide civil defence drill, police are ramping up security in anticipation of potential criminal activity, particularly robberies.
The blackout, scheduled for 7pm, is part of a mock drill simulating an air strike scenario and will see electricity cut across the capital. Residents are being asked not to use lights, even from inverters, during the drill to ensure a realistic simulation.
But the temporary darkness has raised significant concerns for law enforcement. Patna Police fear that the blackout could be exploited by robbers and other criminals, especially with recent cases of high-value heists fresh in memory.
Senior Superintendent of Police Avkash Kumar has directed that police personnel be deployed outside all jewellery shops and key commercial establishments during the drill. Additional vigilance will be maintained around banks and major marketplaces, which are seen as potential targets.
The heightened security comes just hours after a daring daylight robbery in Samastipur, where armed assailants looted Rs 5 crore worth of gold and Rs 15 lakh in cash from a Bank of Maharashtra branch. In another recent incident, Rs 10 crore worth of jewellery was stolen from a Tanishq showroom in Ara.
