Police step up vigil to check untoward incidents at beaches

Vijayawada: The Krishna district police have made elaborate arrangements to prevent untoward incidents at Manginapudi beach and other small beaches to mark the Karthika Pournami, an auspicious festival to be observed on Friday.

Lakhs of devotees and tourists are expected to take bath in the sea to mark the holy Friday. Superintendent of Police Sarva Sresth Tripati on Thursday said 400 police personnel including officers were drafted for the special duty. A large number of devotees are expected to visit Manginapudi beach and Panduranga Swamy temple near the beach.

Police erected barricades in the sea to prevent people from entering the dangerous areas. Besides, sign boards were erected along the main roads giving warning to people to be cautious at the sea.

More than 200 students and volunteers from fishermen community will help the police to regulate the traffic and keep vigil in the dangerous zones of the sea. Unaware of the depth, some people may venture into the sea at dangerous places and drown, the SP said.

The police have arranged 20 boats and drafted expert swimmers to rescue people in case of drowning. Special police teams were arranged to check eve-teasing and other offences and CC cameras were installed to keep vigil at the sensitive areas. Besides, dress changing rooms were arranged for women at beaches. The SP has suggested the people to be very cautious while taking bath in the sea.