RANCHI: The district administration has developed multi-tier security during pujas to ensure total security for pandal-hoppers.The district has been divided into three zones, which will be headed by DSP rank police officers and magistrates. The three divisions are Albert Ekka, Jagganathpur and Sadar localities. Apart from the district composite control room, reachable at 0651-2213022/2207784/100, three sub-control rooms will also be set up. The fire brigade officials have been asked to keep their fire tenders at Albert Ekka chowk, Jagganathpur and Sadar localities.The administration has asked police to use deep search metal detector. Police have to be deployed at the gates of the pandals to frisk visitors. Apart from this, they also have to use sniffer dog squads if the need arises.A joint order of Ranchi DC and SSP said police have been asked to stop the use of loudspeakers for selling lottery tickets. In Ranchi, various organizations use loudspeakers to sell lottery tickets.Police have been asked to prepare a list of people who are suspected to be a danger to communal harmony. Besides, meetings of policemen with members of the local peace committees are being held for the purpose.Ranchi SP city Manoj Ratan said: “All arrangements are being made as per the directions issued through the order. All the police officers concerned have been asked to make all the arrangements in the run up to the festival.”Armed cops would be deployed at every pandal under the municipal area. At the pandals where armed cops will not be deployed, two baton toting cops would be deployed for security. However, the responsibility of providing safety will rest with the puja committees, who has decided to deploy volunteers.

A joint order has been issued to all the police stations who have been asked to work in tandem with the puja organizers. Women constables would be deployed in plan clothes as well.

The cops have been asked to intelligently handle rumors. “A special check will be kept on the elements who try to sexually harass the girls during the festival,” said the joint order.