Puttaparthi, the abode of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, is gearing up for his 99th birth anniversary celebrations, while state Governor Abdul Nazir along with many other dignitaries are expected to participate in the event on November 23 (Saturday) . Superintendent of Police (SP) V. Ratna said elaborate arrangements were being made for the mega event.

The SP asked police personnel from Anantapur, Tirupati and Chittoor districts to perform bandobast duties to offer their best services for the smooth conduct of the event. Sector officials were briefed and informed of various suggestions and precautions. The SP said the police must be vigilant and carry out their duties under armed security.

The SP also said that steps should be taken to arrange vehicles in parking spaces to avoid any traffic-related problems.

Civil police, party police special teams, bomb squads, sector managers and road logistics managers should be vigilant and provide regular information to higher authorities on the developing situation. The SP said a special police team had been formed to prevent chain snatching and pickpocketing in view of the large influx of devotees from India and abroad. The police personnel were ordered to carry out their duties in coordination with the members of the Satya Sai Seva Dal.

On the eve of Baba’s birth anniversary celebrations, as many as six DSPs, 23 circle inspectors, 48 ​​sub-inspectors, 500 police constables and 200 bodyguards, along with armed reserve forces, are deployed in Puttaparthi, the SP said.