Section 144 imposed in Mumbai till 11 am on Sunday

Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which prohibits the assembly of more than 4 people in a public area, has been imposed in Mumbai city till 11 am tomorrow in view of the Supreme Court’s verdict on the sensitive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid suit.

As a security precaution, at least 40,000 police personnel have been deployed in Mumbai, according to officials.

The situation will be monitored through drone units and live CCTV feeds from the police control room. The financial capital witnessed communal riots after the demolition of the disputed structure in Ayodhya in December 1992 and January 1993.

“We are keeping a close watch on every activity in the city and will also deploy the State Reserve Police Force, Riot Control Police, Rapid Action Force. We are prepared to tackle any eventuality,” said DCP Pranay Ashok.

He also said that online activities were being monitored through the social media wing. Objectionable posts will be blocked and removed to ensure no rumours are spread. Internet services are not disabled as of now.

He had earlier mentioned that Section 144 of the CrPC was not imposed in the city. Another official said restrictions on unlawful assembly of people were already in place in Mumbai from November 4 to November 18 under the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951.