Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)

Udupi, Nov 25: The district police led by superintendent of police (SP), Dr Sanjeev M Patil, have been keeping a close watch on the developments in the city and specifically at Royal Garden in view of the ongoing 'Dharma Sansad'. Police teams have been deployed everywhere and it is being ensured that there is no overcrowding anywhere.

In the meanwhile, rumour about terrorist threat to the 'Dharma Sansad' and bomb attack started making the rounds on Saturday November 25. There is no clue who started it, and whether it was an assumption by people who saw canine squads surveying the area, which is a routine. Media persons sought clarification on this matter from the SP.

The SP said that all measures have been taken to ensure safety and security on all the three days of 'Dharma Sansad' and termed the rumour as baseless. "We have placed police personnel at strategic points all over the venue and city. People can move about and take part in the proceedings without any worry or fear. Check posts have been created. People visiting the venue and the nearby 'Hindu Vaibhava' exhibition have been enabled to reach the venues without any fuss. There is no need to panic," he asserted.

To a question, he clarified that no specific number of police have been allotted for sessions and debates and the strength of security personnel is maintained at optimum level to manage any eventuality.

The SP also urged the public not to pay heed to rumours on social media and assured that adequate security arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of visitors.

The police have been managing the steady flow of people to the venue right from the entry pont at Kalsanka to the entrance of the programme with help from volunteers of various organizations. They have been maintaining parking at various spots at a reasonable level.