Nationwide Security Tightened as India Braces for Eid al-Adha Amid Heightened Vigilance and Local Tensions

In the national capital, New Delhi Police have deployed additional personnel, anti-riot vehicles, and quick reaction teams across sensitive areas to ensure peace during the festival period. According to officials, comprehensive security arrangements were activated from early morning at major mosques, designated Eid prayer grounds, and identified sensitive locations across the city, particularly in the north-east and north districts. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-East) Rahul Alwal stated that approximately 1,100 police personnel, along with 23 additional companies, have been stationed in the district to manage law and order effectively.

In Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow, security has been significantly strengthened around Malihabad Fort in the Malihabad region ahead of Eid al-Adha. Authorities have deployed additional police personnel along with Provincial Armed Constabulary units as a precautionary measure. Local residents from the Pasi community have claimed that the site is historically linked to Maharaja Kansa Pasi and should be regarded as a temple complex rather than a mausoleum or mosque. According to residents, tensions have persisted for nearly one and a half years and escalated after individuals from outside the area allegedly began offering prayers at the location.

A local resident told PTI, “People should offer prayers in mosques near their homes. Local residents object to outsiders coming here for prayers.”

Across Uttar Pradesh, the administration has implemented extensive security arrangements, including drone surveillance, closed-circuit television monitoring, route marches, traffic diversions, and additional police deployments. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier stated that prayers would not be permitted on public roads and, if necessary, arrangements could be made for prayers in shifts to manage crowds.

In Lucknow alone, 1,347 police and traffic personnel, along with six companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary, wireless units, and Local Intelligence Unit teams, have been deployed at sensitive locations to ensure orderly conduct of prayers and effective crowd management. Key religious sites, including Teele Wali Mosque, Aishbagh Eid prayer ground, and Asifi Mosque at Bara Imambara, have been placed under a zonal and sector-based security system. Traffic diversions have also been implemented to regulate movement across the city.

Authorities confirmed that mock drills and joint briefings have been conducted to prepare for crowd control, while closed-circuit television cameras are being used for continuous monitoring of key routes and religious locations. Additional women police personnel in plainclothes, Anti-Romeo squads, and Pink Patrol teams have been deployed in crowded areas to enhance safety for women.

In Sambhal district, the administration has divided the region into five zones and sixteen sectors, supported by drone surveillance and social media monitoring teams to maintain vigilance during the festival period.

In Varanasi, officials have urged residents to offer prayers only at designated locations and avoid conducting prayers on roads. Drone cameras have been deployed to monitor public movement. Authorities have also instructed that animal sacrifices be carried out within homes or enclosed spaces, and that prayers may be conducted in two shifts if required to manage large gatherings.

In Mumbai’s Goregaon area, police have cancelled permission for the slaughter of sacrificial animals at Satellite Gardens Phase 2 in Gokuldham following tensions between communities over the practice within the residential complex. Senior Police Inspector Mahendra Shinde of Dindoshi Police Station confirmed that the decision was taken to prevent escalation of tensions. Officials added that the goats would be removed from the society premises.

In Kolkata, preparations are underway at the Brigade Parade Grounds, which will now host the main Eid al-Adha congregation, replacing the traditional venue at Red Road.

As security agencies remain on high alert across the country, the coordinated deployment of forces, surveillance systems, and administrative restrictions underscores the scale of preparedness aimed at ensuring peaceful observance of the festival amid localized sensitivities and law-and-order challenges.