Security concerns wheel in drive-in Garba in Gujarat

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Ahmedabad: Just a day before the beginning of Navratri, police recovered 17 crude bombs from a garbage bin in Ahmedabad's Kalupur area, reigniting concern about the security arrangements in Gujarat during dandiya season.

"It is indeed a matter of concern. People visit plots in lakhs and no one knows who is coming or going. Only god can save us now,” says a worried Garba enthusiast, Tejal Vasavada.

The police have stepped up security but are asking Navaratri organisers to video-graph the entry of people and vehicles as well as dance and music events.

The move has led to some organisers introducing the concept of drive-in Garba.

“We came up with the concept because of security reasons. People can drive in and watch from their cars and be absolutely safe," says Chief Managing Director, SOI Entertainment and Communications, Himanshu Shah.

For the first time, plain-clothed police personnel — both men and women — would mingle with the crowd at Garba venues.

"Police will be dressed in both plain clothes as well as traditional attire, and will mingle with dancers and people,” Joint Commissioner of Police, Special Branch, Ahmedabad, P B Gondia, says.

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