Hyderabad Police Deploy 2,000 Personnel for Lal Darwaza Bonalu Security

The annual Ashada Bonalu celebrations at the historic Lal Darwaza Simhavahini Mahankali Temple commenced with the traditional Shikhara Puja and Dhwajarohanam (flag hoisting ceremony) on Friday, marking the formal beginning of one of Hyderabad's most significant religious festivals.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar participated in the rituals and offered special prayers to the presiding deity at the temple. Inviting the city police chief to the ceremonial events during Bonalu has remained a long-standing tradition observed by the temple authorities each year.

Speaking on the occasion, VC Sajjanar highlighted the rich heritage of the Lal Darwaza Mahankali Temple, noting that the Bonalu festival has been celebrated there with deep devotion for over 120 years during the Ashada month. He said the recently concluded Golconda and Balkampet Bonalu festivities were conducted peacefully, and similar efforts are being made to ensure the smooth conduct of the Lal Darwaza celebrations.

The Commissioner said the police had already held coordination meetings with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), the Electricity Department, and the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department to streamline arrangements for the festival.

To ensure the safety and convenience of devotees, the South Zone Police have deployed around 2,000 personnel across the temple surroundings and key festival locations. The security plan has been designed to facilitate smooth crowd movement while maintaining law and order throughout the celebrations.

The Commissioner said round-the-clock surveillance has been put in place to prevent offences such as eve-teasing, chain snatching, and pickpocketing. Special monitoring is being carried out by the Crime Wing and She Teams, with additional vigilance in crowded areas.

Appealing for public cooperation, VC Sajjanar urged devotees and temple committee members to work closely with the police so that the Bonalu festivities are conducted peacefully, safely, and without any inconvenience to worshippers.