On October 20, a senior officer from the Kolkata Police told reporters that the department has stepped up protection for the gold and silver jewellery that adorns Goddess Kali idols during the city’s Kali Puja celebrations.
The police say they will guard the jewels in 48 puja mandaps across Kolkata. In many temples, local committees already hire private guards when the idols carry only a few pieces of jewellery. But when the shrines display a large collection of gold or silver, the organizers have asked the police to help.
Starting Monday morning, two rifle‑armed constables will patrol each mandap from the beginning of the festival until the idols are immersed. They work in three continuous shifts to keep the jewellery safe. Some of the officers come from the Kolkata Police’s armed forces unit, and an assistant sub‑inspector will monitor several mandaps as well.
The police have already put similar gear in place for 13 Durga Puja mandaps that use heavy jewellery on their deities. Organizers have also added security gates and private guards, but the police presence adds another layer of safety.
“We want to protect these priceless pieces and keep the celebrations peaceful,” the officer added. “The idol’s jewellery must be handled with extra care, and that’s why we’re providing additional protection.”
Source: ianslive
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