Over 3,000 police personnel deployed for Republic Day celebrations in Vellore, nearby districts

The district administrations in Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Ranipet, and Tirupattur are on high alert for the 77th Republic Day celebrations, with over 3,000 police personnel deployed on Monday as part of security arrangements.

Elaborate arrangements were made for the celebrations, with the general public being allowed to participate in the event that will be held in the parade ground and government school playgrounds in these districts.

“We have conducted intensive track patrolling over the vital installation of the Palar Bridge on the Katpadi route. Surveillance was also maintained at railway level crossings as part of preventive measures for the celebrations,” Nikhil Kumar Gupta, Inspector, RPF, Jolarpettai, told The Hindu.

Apart from the distribution of benefits, officials said the Chief Minister’s Police Medals will be handed out as part of the celebrations. As a norm, freedom fighters will be honoured by the District Collectors during the celebrations.

In Vellore, vehicular movements at checkpoints bordering Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai and Chittoor have come under intense surveillance for the past few days.

Key checkpoints, including Christinapet and Serkadu, are being monitored by police personnel. Anti-sabotage teams have been deployed at key public places like Katpadi railway station, bus terminus, places of worship, and historical places to prevent any untoward incidents. At present, Vellore has six checkpoints — Christinapet, Serkadu, Paththalapalli, Paradarami, Sainagunta and Ponnai (Madhanakuppam).

Major railway stations, including Arakkonam, Jolarpet, Tiruvalam, Ranipet, Ambur and Walajah, have come under the scanner of the Railway Protection Force and the Government Railway Police. Sniffer dogs have also been roped in to check the baggage of commuters in these stations and bus terminus.