Patna, Aug. 24: The strong contingent of securitymen tasked to keep the Mahatma Gandhi Setu free of traffic snarls has been removed, triggering fear among residents on whether the horrors of the past would return to haunt them.

The force from the Bihar Military Police (BMP) been deployed about three months ago on the directions of chief minister Nitish Kumar.

Three officers of the rank of deputy superintendent of police, five inspectors and 100 BMP constables had been deputed along the bridge, described as the lifeline of Patna.

Police sources said the order for the removal was issued by deputy inspector-general (central range) Vineet Vinayak, who was appointed nodal officer for the regulation of smooth running of vehicles along the bridge.

“The orders regarding the pullout of personnel have been issued today. We worked on the direction given to us. The BMP contingent was earlier directed to be moved out of the bridge by August 8 but we extended it to August 15 because of VIP movement. The BMP men manning the traffic regulations on the bridge have been removed now. The reason being that there are no traffic jams as earlier along the bridge,” city superintendent, Patna central and traffic, Shivdeep Lande, said.

Director-general of police Neel Mani said he had no information about the new directive. “I am not aware of the withdrawal of policemen along the bridge. I have not issued any directions,” he said.

Lande said that in the absence of the BMP contingent, personnel from the traffic wing of the Patna police would have to be sent in case of a snarl.

“The police are thinking about options. If at all there is a problem, the traffic police will be sent to take care of the situation,” he said.

Vinayak said the withdrawal order was based on the fact that the movement of vehicles along the bridge was almost normal now. “The removal of officers will not pose a problem,” he said.

A police officer said the withdrawal could backfire. “Once more forces were deployed, the overtaking menace along the 45-km stretch starting from Fatuha and along the bridge, which was the main reason for the traffic problem, was banned with errant vehicles facing a fine of Rs 2,000. The extra forces ensured order. But it can turn bad with fewer policemen on the bridge which would allow trucks to drive at their will,” a police officer said.