Patna: Patna police are taking extra precaution to sensitise the city to avoid untoward incidents during Holi as the festival of colours coincides with the Friday namaz on March 2.

Around 2,000 security personnel from the district police, along with a company of Rapid Action Force (RAF), will be deployed on Thursday and Friday. The police have decided to focus more on communally sensitive areas such as Patna City, Phulwari and Danapur. Apart from local police personnel, central and state RAF personnel will be deployed in the areas.

Patna central range deputy inspector-general (DIG) Rajesh Kumar said: "Patna has received a company of central RAF consisting of 120 personnel. The RAF will be assisted by 300 jawans from the state RAF. Apart from this, 50 commandos will be on duty. The Patna police have identified 400 locations where officers along with other cops will be on duty. To assist the static police personnel, more than 200 jawans on 50 motorcycles will be on duty as quick response team."

All deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) and station house officers (SHOs) have been alerted too. Under Section 107 of the CrPC, preventive action has been taken against 2,500 people. At the same time, personnel have been directed to check sale or manufacturing of liquor.

The Patna police have also asked the police stations to get a data on places where Holika Dahan will take place on March 1, the festive eve. Police have also issued an advisory to the public asking them to inform the local police stations about places of Holika Dahan so that patrol teams could be deputed in advance to avoid mishaps.

The Patna police have been holding peace committee meetings with volunteers of different religions for the past one week on the dos and don'ts during the festival. The meetings had elderly people from all religions.