Kolkata, Sep 30 (NationPress) To safeguard the jewellery adorning the goddess Durga in various puja mandaps throughout Kolkata from potential theft, the police have implemented special measures this year.

In a proactive approach, the police have stationed two armed officers in 11 out of the 13 puja mandaps, while enhanced security protocols have been established in the remaining two.

Sources from Lalbazar, the city police headquarters, report that the primary responsibility of the officers will be to oversee the gold and silver ornaments of the Durga idols.

These security enhancements cover all 13 puja committees, where a substantial amount of gold and silver jewellery has been utilized for the decoration of the idols.

Additionally, in a puja mandap located in the Muchipara area of central Kolkata, two officers with service pistols and two armed officers will protect the ornaments.

At another puja pavilion in the Beniapukur area, two policemen with rifles are stationed to guard the jewellery of the idol. In many mandaps, jewellery is displayed temporarily, but while the idols are adorned, police presence is ensured. Besides safeguarding the jewellery, the officers will monitor the idols to prevent outsiders or visitors from getting too close. A significant number of CCTV cameras have also been installed in these 13 puja pavilions.

"Given that the jewellery is valued at crores of rupees, robust security measures have been instituted to protect these assets. With a large influx of visitors during the five-day festival, the risk of theft is heightened," stated a senior Kolkata Police official.

It is customary for some puja organizers to embellish the goddess Durga's idol with gold jewellery, which is carefully counted and placed upon the idol.

Before immersion, the puja committee takes the jewellery off and secures it. While the puja committees are responsible for the jewellery's protection, this year, the police have also taken the initiative to enhance security measures.