Patna: Authorities in Bihar have announced a comprehensive security operation ahead of Holi, deploying additional forces across the state and warning that acts of hooliganism will be dealt with strictly. The measures come as officials seek to prevent disturbances during the festival and maintain public order in sensitive areas.
The state police have activated a detailed security plan, increasing deployments in major cities, religious sites and districts with a history of unrest. Special attention is being given to Patna and other identified hotspots. Officials said preventive measures will target individuals and groups involved in street violence, motorcycle gangs and disruptive activities under the guise of celebrations.
According to the state’s top police leadership, strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disturb peace. Police stations have been instructed to map sensitive locations and enhance surveillance, while district control rooms will report security updates at regular intervals to a central command facility.
Additional directives issued by senior officials require law enforcement agencies to deploy magistrates and adequate personnel in mixed-population areas and locations with a record of past tensions. District administrations have been asked to review incidents from previous years and develop strategies to address recurring disputes that often escalate during the festival season.
Authorities expressed concern that old enmities and land disputes frequently resurface when migrant residents return home for Holi, sometimes resulting in violent confrontations. Police have been ordered to monitor such cases closely and treat all community disputes with heightened seriousness.
Preventive legal measures may be invoked against suspected mischief-makers under provisions of the law, including bonds and other restrictions subject to verification by local magistrates. Officials said the objective is to deter potential trouble while safeguarding civil liberties.
Security operations will also extend to districts affected by left-wing extremism, where authorities fear the possibility of disruptive activity near public installations and transport infrastructure. Patrolling and intelligence-gathering efforts are being intensified, with police instructed to respond swiftly to any major incidents.
Senior district officers have been directed to reach the scene of any communal disturbance without delay and to identify individuals spreading rumours or inflammatory content. Surveillance of suspected offenders and community-level intelligence operations will form part of the security strategy.
Police headquarters has also highlighted the risk of criminal activity targeting travellers during the holiday period, particularly incidents involving the use of drugs to incapacitate passengers on trains. Special monitoring of transport routes will be introduced to protect returning workers and commuters.
Deployment figures released by authorities indicate that 12 companies of the Range Reserve Force, 31 companies of the Bihar Armed Police and more than 2,700 trainee constables are being mobilised statewide. Additional support will come from 5,100 home guards.
Patna will see one of the largest concentrations of security personnel, with three companies each from the reserve and armed police forces and hundreds of newly appointed constables assigned to the capital. Other districts, including Darbhanga, Begusarai, Jamui, Munger, Rohtas, Buxar, Gaya and Motihari, will receive supplementary forces based on local requirements.
Police officials emphasised that the measures are precautionary and aimed at ensuring peaceful celebrations. However, they reiterated that any attempt to undermine public order will face firm legal consequences.
