Mahakumbh-2025: Three-tier security for entry into Mela area ahead of New Year

In the wake of designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s alleged ‘threat’ to disrupt the upcoming Mahakumbh, the entire security apparatus has been beefed up in the mega fair area and also in the entire Prayagraj district.

In it, security has been beefed up at temples and important places in Mahakumbh Nagar to ensure the safety of people ahead of the New Year celebrations. The intelligence system has also been activated across Mahakumbh Mela area and adjoining districts.

According to officials aware of the move, three-tier security checks have been introduced for entry into Mahakumbh. In addition, a three-tier intelligence system was deployed in the Mela area.

A video has reportedly surfaced on social media threatening to disrupt key bathing appointments at the major religious event. The voice in the video is attributed to the Sikh separatist Pannun.

The “threat” came within days after three terror suspects, allegedly involved in a grenade attack in Gurdaspur, Punjab, were killed in an encounter with a joint team of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab police in Pilibhit.

Reviewing preparations for Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj earlier this week, Prime Minister Yogi Adityanath asked officials to remain vigilant as Mahakumbh is a mega event and no terrorist organization should be able to target it. Pannun’s “threat” was specifically aimed at important bathing festivals, including Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29) and Basant Panchami (February 3).

Senior Superintendent of Police (Mahakumbh Nagar) Rajesh Dwivedi said, “A robust and state-of-the-art security system is in place. With Mahakumbh in the global spotlight, the Mahakumbh Nagar police are on alert ahead of the New Year celebrations.”

Security at temples and key locations has been significantly increased. A three-tier security system has been put in place across Prayagraj and surrounding districts to ensure the safety of every devotee. In addition, intelligence teams were deployed to monitor suspicious activities and carry out security measures in coordination with senior officials.

“Following the instructions of CM Yogi Adityanath, several checkpoints have been set up by the Mahakumbh Nagar police to further enhance the security system,” he added. Dwivedi said the world’s largest cultural event has strategically deployed AI-powered cameras as well as drones, anti-drone systems and tethered drones to enhance surveillance.

To ensure the cyber safety of followers from around the world, strict cyber security measures have been implemented, including intensified cyber patrols. “The most capable police personnel have been given important duties to strengthen the security system in Mahakumbh Nagar,” he added.

To ensure a safe experience for believers, 37,611 police officers are on duty. Of these, 22,953 are fairground police officers, 6,887 are Prayagraj Commissionerate, 7,771 are GRP and 1,378 are women police officers.

As compared to 22,998 police personnel deployed at Mahakumbh-2013 and 27,550 at Kumbh-2019, there will be an increase of 10,061 additional police officers at the upcoming fair. To improve surveillance, police forces are deployed from different units, with coordination between different departments and local intelligence units.

These include 18,479 plainclothes police officers, 1,378 women police officers, 1,405 traffic police officers as well as 1,158 armed police officers, 146 mounted police officers, 230 transport department officers, 510 local intelligence unit officers, 340 Jal police officers and 13,965 home guards.