Karnataka DGP issues Statewide Holi bandobast guidelines, focus on women’s safety and communal harmony

In order to ensure the peaceful celebration of the upcoming festival of colours and to prevent any mischief-mongering incidents, State Police Chief M.A. Saleem has issued a detailed memo to all unit heads, directing them to take stringent and proactive measures across Karnataka.

The Office of the Director General and Inspector General of Police, Karnataka, on February 25 issued a comprehensive memo outlining strict bandobast measures for the upcoming Holi festival across the State.

The directive said all police units have been instructed to implement preventive, intelligence-based and gender-sensitive policing measures to ensure peaceful celebrations.

The memo notes that Holi festivities typically involve large public gatherings, music, colour application, and celebrations, which may result in disputes, harassment complaints, intoxication-related nuisance, and communal sensitivities if not effectively regulated.

Focus on women’s safety

The DGP has directed all units to deploy adequate women police personnel in marketplaces, residential areas, educational institutions and major celebration points to prevent harassment and ensure visible deterrence. The police have been instructed to take strict action against eve-teasing, stalking and inappropriate touching, and to promptly register cases under relevant legal provisions.

Special patrol teams will be stationed near parks, lakes, malls, and other public congregation areas to ensure the safety of women and respond swiftly to distress calls.

Monitoring of sensitive areas and social media

Police units have been asked to identify communally sensitive areas and locations with a history of Holi-related disputes and deploy adequate preventive bandobast. Beat intelligence will be strengthened to detect early signs of mobilisation, provocative sloganeering, or attempts to disturb public order.

The directive also mandates activation of 24×7 Social Media Monitoring Cells to track inflammatory posts, communal narratives, fake videos, and provocative messages linked to Holi celebrations.

Regulation of celebrations

Strict regulation of music systems and public address systems, especially near religious places and sensitive localities, has been ordered in compliance with Supreme Court guidelines. Holika Dahan events must be conducted only at approved locations with proper fire safety measures in coordination with local authorities.

The police have also been instructed to intensify checks against the sale and consumption of illicit liquor and narcotic substances to prevent intoxication-driven misconduct.

Preventive and rapid response measures

Preventive action will be initiated against known communal instigators and habitual offenders. Quick Reaction Teams and reserve forces will be positioned strategically to respond swiftly to any untoward incident, particularly those involving women’s safety or communal tension.

Naka checking will be intensified to prevent unlawful assemblies and the movement of miscreants or hazardous materials. Videography coverage in sensitive areas and real-time reporting to senior officers have also been mandated, with accountability fixed for any lapses during Holi bandobast.

The State Police have reiterated a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and urged citizens to celebrate the festival responsibly while respecting law and order.