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Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Security beefed up across Pune city amid tensions on India-Pakistan border
In the wake of an attempted airstrike by Pakistan, a nationwide alert has been issued in India and heightened security measures have been implemented across major cities. Pune has responded with elevated vigilance focusing in particular on religious sites with high footfalls such as the iconic Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati a precautionary measure, the entire area around the temple has been cordoned off with a heavy police presence. 'Security personnel are closely monitoring the movement of every individual entering and exiting the temple premises. Anti-riot squads have been deployed, and the Quick Response Force (QRF) has taken position outside the temple to prevent any untoward incidents,' said a senior police official on condition of anonymity. Temple authorities and security personnel are keeping a check on the flow of devotees by ensuring that visitors do not remain inside the temple for extended periods of time. Mahesh Suryavanshi, treasurer of the Dagdusheth Ganpati Mandal, said, 'Devotees are allowed quick darshan (viewing) and are being asked to exit the premises promptly. Vehicle checks have been intensified around the temple area, and patrolling has increased throughout the city.' Amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, Pune like the rest of India has been placed on high alert. Security agencies are treating religious sites, including the Dagdusheth Temple, as sensitive locations that could be targeted. Past threats to blow up the temple have only added to the concerns, prompting swift action from the police and military. Authorities have assured the public that all possible steps are being taken to neutralise any threat. The swift action taken by the Indian defence forces in thwarting Pakistan's plan to target the Golden Temple underscores the country's preparedness. Similar vigilance is now being mirrored in Pune, ensuring that places of worship such as the Dagdusheth Temple remain safe amid the conflict. Since the night of May 8, checkpoints have been established across the city, especially in vulnerable zones. In addition to the regular police force, the security setup now includes units from the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), riot control teams, and bomb detection and disposal squads. Historic monuments like the Shaniwar Wada, too, have seen a surge in security measures and military units have been partially deployed to support local law enforcement in ensuring public safety. Although there has been some easing of security measures on the morning of May 9, several areas in Pune remain on high alert. The Dagdusheth Temple continues to be a focal point of security due to its cultural and religious significance. Priya Deshmukh, a local devotee said, 'I visit Dagdusheth Bappa every Thursday, and today, I saw commandos with rifles. It's a bit unsettling, but I understand it's for our safety. I am just praying for peace.' While Ramu Meshram, a shopkeeper near the temple, said, 'Business is slow because people are scared, but we support the police. They are working day and night to protect us. We just hope things return to normal soon.' Meanwhile, the government has appealed to the public not to panic. Citizens have been advised not to spread or believe in rumours. Official advisories have been issued urging people to follow instructions issued only by the administration or verified government sources.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
One arrest made after hundreds of kids pack Fort Lauderdale beach
One minor was taken into custody after hundreds of kids flocked to Fort Lauderdale beach, prompting a large police response and backing up traffic on State Road A1A late into Thursday night, police said. The police department was notified about 6 p.m. that a crowd of 400 people, mostly minors, were headed toward Fort Lauderdale beach from Pompano Beach, police department spokesperson Casey Liening said in a statement Friday afternoon. The group of kids gathered largely along A1A near the intersection of East Las Olas Boulevard while some smaller groups congregated nearby in other parts of the barrier island, Liening said. Officers broke up the crowd 'in the safest manner possible,' and there were no major incidents, though some disturbances or fights and trespassing complaints were reported. One minor was taken into custody after attempting to steal a golf cart, Liening said. Traffic heading north on the beachside road was backed up for hours, reopening by about 11:30 p.m. when officers had broken up the crowds, according to the police department. Vice Mayor Steve Glassman told the South Florida Sun Sentinel Thursday night that he drove through the area shortly after the commotion was reported and saw high-school-age kids. The police presence was 'huge' in the area, including helicopters flying overhead, he said. 'These were not Spring Breakers and not Fort Lauderdale residents,' he said. The police department's Quick Response Force, a specialty unit, was activated for more officers to respond to the area 'as a force multiplier,' Liening said. In Pompano Beach earlier on Thursday evening, deputies were called about a shooting near the 100 block of North Pompano Beach Boulevard, near the Pompano Beach Pier. Shots had been fired in the area, but no injuries were reported and no one has been arrested as of Friday, the Broward Sheriff's Office said. It was not clear whether the incident in Pompano Beach is related to the crowds later in the night in Fort Lauderdale.
