Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar has issued a stern directive prohibiting police personnel from dancing during the Ganesh festival.
The orders come in the wake of several incidents in recent years where videos of police officers dancing to traditional drum beats went viral, raising concerns about discipline and the seriousness of their roles during such a major public event.
During a high-level review meeting concerning security arrangements for the upcoming Ganesh festival, Commissioner Phansalkar emphasized the importance of maintaining order and vigilance.
“Ganeshotsav is a public festival, and the primary responsibility of the police is to ensure the safety and security of the citizens. In such a scenario, it is inappropriate for any police personnel to be seen dancing while on duty,” he stated firmly.
The commissioner issued clear warnings to the officers, noting that any personnel caught violating these instructions and engaging in any form of dancing, regardless of the context, would face immediate disciplinary action.
“We will not tolerate any breach of conduct. The focus of every police officer during the festival should be on maintaining order and ensuring that public safety is not compromised,” Phansalkar reiterated.
Every year, the Ganesh festival draws millions of devotees to Mumbai’s streets, mandals, and immersion sites. With this massive influx of people, ensuring crowd control and preventing any incidents becomes the top priority for the city’s police force.
This year, as the city gears up for another large-scale celebration, special security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order across the city.
Large police contingents will be stationed at major intersections, near Ganpati mandals, and at designated immersion points. The commissioner stressed that officers must remain focused on their duties and ensure that all security arrangements run smoothly.
In recent years, videos of police officers dancing during Ganesh festivities have surfaced on social media, sometimes garnering widespread attention.
While the public may see this as a moment of celebration, the police department views it as a distraction from their primary duties. This latest directive by Commissioner Phansalkar is aimed at curbing such incidents and reinforcing discipline within the force.
