The city police have decided to crack down on Ganesha festival committees that forcibly collect donations from the public and shopkeepers in the city. Many residents and shopkeepers had complained to the police that they had to shell out a lot of money to those who approach them for donations.
Ms Renuka, who owns a stationery shop in Thippasandra, said, “Every year, there are a few groups that make the rounds for donations for the Ganesha festival. But this time, a lot of new groups have cropped up. They demand nothing less that Rs 500,” she said. The city police said action will be taken against those who force people to pay for the festival. “It is a nuisance when a lot of people from Ganesha festival committees go in big groups to shopkeepers and demand huge amounts as donation. They print out receipt books and force them in the name of the festival. We urge the Ganesh mandals not to force people to make donations. We will make sure that action will be taken against those who force people to pay,” said Additional Commissioner of Police T. Suneel Kumar.
Police are also gearing up for the festival and will beef up security at all Ganesh pandals in the city.
Speaking about the security arrangements, Mr Kumar said, “We will deploy more police officers at sensitive spots. Tight security arrangements will be made to ensure that law and order is not disturbed. Also, we will make sure that disturbance is not caused due to loudspeakers after 10 pm,” he added.