Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be installed in various places of Muzaffarpur to keep a check on the law and order situation in the commercial hub of north Bihar.

The recent spurt in criminal incidents has become a cause of concern for the district police who have forwarded a proposal to install 26 CCTV cameras to the police headquarters.

Apart from the city's entry and exit points, CCTV cameras are to be installed in all important and commercial localities.

Inspector-general of police (Muzaffarpur zone) Sunil Kumar and senior superintendent of police Vivek Kumar did a recce of the town today to assess the places where the cameras would be set up.

Sources said senior officers were expecting a nod from the police headquarters soon.

Sunil said: "Professional criminals often visit the crime spot before carrying out an attack. They can be easily identified with the CCTV cameras. It should also deter criminals to attack banking and business institutions."

The North Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NBCCI) has also requested police officers to depute personnel near business localities and banking institutions.

"There are 15 banks located near Suttapatti, Jawaharlal Road, Motijheel, Saraiyaganj and Companybagh," said NBCCI chairman Motilal Chaparia. "There is an urgent need for surveillance in these areas."

"Criminals have often broken through the shutters of business establishments at night. Steps should be taken to strengthen night patrolling," said Sri Ram Banka, a textile merchant.

"Such is the sorry state of affairs now that people don't want to visit banks to deposit cash apprehending loot and murder," said Purshoutam Poddar, a fabric trader at Suttapatti.