Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna has directed police officers across the state to ensure a “Zero Incident, Zero Accident” Kanwar Yatra while intensifying security arrangements for the ongoing pilgrimage and the upcoming festive season. The DGP also announced a week-long statewide campaign to trace absconding and missing criminals, underscoring the police force’s focus on preventive policing, technology-driven surveillance and swift investigation.
The directives were issued during a statewide virtual crime review meeting attended by senior police officers. Discussions covered law and order, crime investigation, festival security, beat policing, intelligence gathering and the functioning of Mission Shakti centres.
Reviewing preparations for the Kanwar Yatra, the DGP instructed district police chiefs to identify sensitive locations, strengthen security deployment and maintain round-the-clock vigilance to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims. He stressed close coordination with peace committees, religious leaders and local communities to preserve communal harmony and prevent any untoward incidents.
Police units were also directed to ensure proper barricading, adequate lighting and effective traffic management along Kanwar routes. Strict compliance with court orders and government norms governing the height and sound levels of DJs accompanying Kanwar processions was also emphasised.
Highlighting the importance of technology in policing, Rajeev Krishna instructed officers to maximise the use of tethered drones, CCTV surveillance and social media monitoring for real-time assessment of security situations. District police have also been asked to closely monitor online platforms to curb rumours, misinformation and provocative content.
The DGP ordered a week-long special drive to trace absconding offenders and verify active criminals using the Yaksh App, directing police teams to ensure accurate and comprehensive data entry across all categories. Officers were also instructed to expedite investigations into serious crimes, including murder, robbery and dacoity, and to invoke provisions of the Gangsters Act and Goonda Act against habitual offenders wherever applicable.
During the meeting, the functioning of Mission Shakti centres was also reviewed. Officials reported a 43 per cent decline in dowry death cases and a 13 per cent reduction in dowry harassment cases after the centres became operational. The DGP directed senior supervisory officers to regularly monitor their performance to sustain the positive trend.
Reiterating the importance of preventive policing, Rajeev Krishna said effective intelligence gathering, strong beat policing, modern surveillance technology and prompt field response would remain central to maintaining law and order during the Kanwar Yatra and the forthcoming festival season.
