Nagpur: Ganeshotsav may have formally concluded with Anant Chaturdashi, but immersion processions are still continuing in several parts of the city, forcing Nagpur Police to remain on high alert. The prolonged bandobast has not only drained personnel but also affected day-to-day work at police stations.

The city police had drawn praise for smoothly managing both Ganesh Chaturthi and Eid-e-Milad celebrations under the supervision of Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal. Tight security measures ensured that not a single untoward incident was recorded during the major festivals. Yet, with many mandals delaying immersion, additional deployment has meant cops working long hours without adequate rest.

According to officers, regular tasks such as registering complaints, investigating crimes, and following up on pending cases are being sidelined. “Continuous festival bandobast leaves little time for core policing,” a senior officer admitted. Exhaustion is also taking a toll, with personnel missing out on family time while guarding processions.

Tensions often flare during festivities, especially over the use of DJs and loud music. Sources revealed that some organisers rely on political connections to pressure police into allowing violations, further complicating the situation. Despite such interference, officers avoided strict action to keep the festive atmosphere undisturbed.

The deployment, however, is far from over. Another round of Visarjan is slated for Saturday, September 13, after which Navratri security preparations will begin. Officials say this cycle of festival duties has burdened the force for weeks. Though the visible presence of police has contributed to a marginal dip in crime, the cost is mounting in terms of stalled investigations and administrative delays.