Patna: The Bihar Police has issued a statewide advisory ahead of Holi, banning obscene songs and high-volume DJ systems during celebrations. Officials have warned that any attempt to incite unrest or create disorder in the name of the festival will be met with strict legal action.
Additional forces have been deployed across districts, with Vajra vehicles, water cannons and baton units kept on standby. Quick Response Teams have been stationed at district and sub-divisional levels to ensure rapid intervention. Areas that reported communal tension or violence during last year’s Holi are under heightened surveillance this time.
Pankaj Kumar Darad, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), said special vigilance is being exercised in districts such as Arwal, Nawada and Gaya, where traditional “Jhoomta” processions are organised. No procession will be allowed without a licence, and routes will be physically verified before approval is granted. Last year, authorities issued 142 licences in Gaya, 81 in Nawada and 12 in Arwal.
With Holi coinciding with the holy month of Ramzan, police have directed officials to exercise caution during Holika Dahan and colour celebrations. District administrations have been instructed to closely monitor social media platforms and act swiftly against inflammatory or objectionable posts. During last year’s Holi, 50 incidents were recorded across the state, including cases in Rohtas, Patna, Munger and Sitamarhi. Officials say enhanced security arrangements are in place in these districts.
Police headquarters said preventive measures have already been stepped up. In February alone, action was taken against 132,824 individuals as a precautionary step, while proposals under the Criminal Law Amendment were initiated against 265 people. During the month, police arrested 5,459 accused in cases including murder, dacoity, robbery and offences under the SC/ST Act. Authorities also seized 373 firearms and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition.
As part of a broader enforcement drive, nearly 95,000 vehicles were inspected, resulting in fines exceeding Rs 1.58 crore. Officials also confiscated large quantities of foreign and country-made liquor, underscoring the administration’s push to ensure a peaceful and orderly festival across Bihar.
