Hyderabad: Hyderabad City Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar warned anti-social elements of taking advantage of the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and indulge in extortion.

He said such anti-social elements will be firmly dealt with under law. Ganesh Chaturthi festivities will commence in the twin cities on September 2 and go on till September 12. Customarily, organisers in charge of conducting these celebrations across the twin cities collect funds from local residents. This gives scope for anti-social elements to misuse the occasion and extort money from people including businessmen, in the name of Ganesh festival.

Anjani Kumar requested those subjected to such extortion in the name of 'chanda' or donation, to come forward and complain to the police.

The Police Commissioner also clarified that it was imperative to obtain police permission to set up a Ganesh pandal. Applications for the same would be available from September 22 to 26, he said, adding that the filled in applications should be submitted in the local police station before September 29, along with the relevant documents including NOC.

Police would spell out guidelines to be followed,and said that permissions would be accorded only if the applications were in line with the guidelines. The police commissioner commented that organisers would be allowed to use only box type speakers from 6 am to 10 pm at the mandal.

Police are on a state of high alert as the time is for Ganesh festivities is drawing close. The City police are set to interact with the organisers of the Ganesh festivities across the twin cities. The Commissioner has directed the officials to ensure that no untoward incident takes place in these 10 days. He also asked them to take extra precautions in areas which are considered communally sensitive.

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