The Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) and Cyber Police have intensified security arrangements for the upcoming Kanwar Mela, with a special focus on preventing wanted criminals from entering the pilgrimage area. As part of the coordinated security plan, five neighbouring states have shared details of nearly 8,000 wanted and habitual offenders with the Uttarakhand Police.
According to officials, a dedicated team of STF personnel, cyber commandos, and cyber police officers has been formed to monitor these suspects through facial recognition cameras installed across the Kanwar Mela area and major pilgrimage routes. The team will operate from various control rooms to identify and track individuals using CCTV and facial recognition technology.
The security strategy was finalised during a recent coordination meeting attended by senior police officials from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana. Discussions focused on strengthening security along the Kanwar Yatra routes, ensuring the safety of pilgrims at designated halt points, and addressing emerging challenges related to social media.
Officials said that Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh have provided the Uttarakhand Police with photographs and details of thousands of wanted criminals. With millions of devotees expected to participate in the Kanwar Mela, authorities aim to prevent any criminal elements from exploiting the massive gathering.
In addition to physical surveillance, police are also preparing to tackle the growing challenge posed by artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content on social media. Cyber commandos will closely monitor online platforms for misleading, provocative, or manipulated videos and images that could disturb public order during the festival.
Police officials warned that individuals found spreading objectionable or fake content intended to create unrest will be identified through cyber monitoring and legal action will be initiated against them.
IG STF Dr. Neilesh Anand Bharne said neighbouring states have shared details of most of their wanted criminals, and a dedicated cyber surveillance team has been deployed to ensure such individuals are identified and acted upon if they enter the Kanwar Mela. He added that social media will remain under constant watch throughout the event.
