In the wake of terror suspects’ arrests recently, Mumbai Police is on high alert for the 10th day of Ganesh Chaturthi festival on Sunday, said an official. For the first time ever in decades, this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi festival ends on Anant Chaturdashi, marking an auspicious occasion to finally immerse Lord Ganesha idols.

The darshan during the Visarjan yatra will be performed by fully vaccinated volunteers. 

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“This season we will follow the same route but finish sooner since large processions are banned. We will start at 12 noon and just 10 volunteers will accompany the idol. We will also live stream the event so people can watch from home,” mandal president Balasaheb Kamble told The Times of India.

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, in Mumbai, arrested one person in connection with an alleged terror plot found out by Delhi Police. 

On Sunday, the ten day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi will come to an end. Due to the pandemic, this year’s celebration has been subdued. 

“Anti-sabotage measures are being taken and security around vital installations has been increased,” said deputy commissioner of police S Chaitanya, the Mumbai police’s spokesperson, on Saturday. “Apart from intensified patrolling in sensitive areas, there will be heavy deployment of security personnel at immersion points.”

“Extra lights, cranes, swimmers/life guards, ambulances and fire brigade teams would be arranged to handle any eventuality,” he added.

“As many as 100 additional officers and 1,500 personnel from the Local Arms and other branches will be deployed,” the DCP said. “Besides, at least three companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), one company of CRPF, 500 home guards and 275 constables from outside units will be stationed in the city.”

“The police are also keeping tabs on known criminals and have increased surveillance at hotels, lodges, vital installations and sensitive locations. Officials also held meetings with Ganesh mandals, peace committees, mohalla committees and others stakeholders,” the police spokesperson added.

The Delhi Police’s Special Cell had busted a terror module with the arrest of six men, including two Pakistan-trained terrorists, one out of which is Dharavi resident.