Hyderabad authorities on Friday covered several mosques in the Old City ahead of the Durga idol immersion scheduled for Saturday. The step was taken as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident during the large processions.
Mosques along major routes,including Afzalgunj, Pathargatti, Siddiamber Bazaar, and Moazzam Jahi Market, were draped with cloth. A similar exercise had been carried out last month during Ganesh idol immersions.
Police said nearly 200 Durga idols had been installed in different parts of the Old City this year, and elaborate security arrangements were in place. “We have finalised procession plans and deployed pickets at all important points. Covering mosques is a preventive step,” a senior police officer said.
Durga idols will be taken out from Uppuguda, Lal Darwaza, Gowlipura, Falaknuma, Chatrinaka, and Chandrayangutta.
To ensure safety, especially from electrocution, inspectors were asked to recheck all procession routes. Forces from the City Armed Reserve, Rapid Action Force, and Task Force will also be deployed for late-night security.
Senior police officials held multiple meetings with local SHOs this week, stressing vigilance during the immersion processions that attract large crowds every year.
