For the first time, around 250 Border Security Force personnel from Gujarat have been posted at strategic locations across the city to ensure safety and security during the Ganpati festival. Out of this, 125 have been spread across Mumbai city while the remaining are stationed at various locations, including rooftops, at Lalbaug to monitor the activities of devotees, who are thronging streets to catch a glimpse of the elephant-headed god, Lalbaugcha Raja. According to a BSF personnel, who didn’t wish to be named, though BSF jawans were deployed last year too, this is the first time so many personnel have been called in.

On guard: Although BSF personnel were deployed in Mumbai last year as well, it’s the first time that such a large number of men has been posted.  Pic/Dutta kumbhar

On Saturday, when sunday mid-day visited the area near Lalbaugcha Raja mandal, BSF jawans were present in the vicinity. BSF Company Commandant Tarun Pratap said, “Two companies of BSF from Gandhidham (Gujarat) have come to Mumbai especially to provide additional security during Ganpati bandobast. One BSF company (batch), comprising 100-130 personnel, has been posted at strategic locations in and around the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal and the surrounding area. We are closely keeping a tab on the activities of the people coming for darshan and we are fully prepared to tackle any emergency situation. We also have a Quick Response Team that will tackle any situation.”