Police patrolled different areas on Dhanteras on Frida, as officers claimed to be fully prepared to deal with any kind of untoward situation during Diwali.

Last Sunday’s blasts at Gandhi Maidan, closed for the sixth consecutive day on Friday, have prompted the men-in-uniform to brace for the worst possible situation and act accordingly, said sources.

“Gandhi Maidan is expected to open for the public in a couple of days. Though an official word is yet to come from the administration, we hope that the ground would open by tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon or Sunday. However, necessary arrangements have been made for the upcoming festivals and police have been deployed everywhere. Arrangements are in place but details cannot be disclosed,” a police officer told The Telegraph.

The police said the officers of all police stations in the state capital had been asked to constantly patrol their respective areas of jurisdiction, mainly market places and round up suspicious persons.

“During Dhanteras and Diwali, marketplaces remain crowded. Hence, police have been asked to stay alert and patrol constantly. With huge crowds on the roads, police presence is needed. People should be able to see policemen on the streets so that they can easily approach them in case of any emergency. Apart from the regular police force, additional constables have been deployed all over the city. Patna Rapid Action Force personnel are also on alert,” a police officer told The Telegraph.

“The district administration has issued instructions to check fire cracker stalls for safety and the mandatory licences. Plainclothes police, including women constables, would mingle with the crowd and look around for suspicious activities or troublemongers.

Quick Mobile teams too have been alerted and asked to patrol continuously. The station house officers of different police stations have been directed to get out on the roads and monitor the patrolling themselves,” said another police officer.

Sources said the bomb disposal squad of the Bihar police was on alert too.

“Several closed-circuit television cameras located in different areas of Patna are also keeping a close eye on the crowd. The cameras provide a clear view of the city and the police can track any suspicious activity through them. The number of additional men who have been deployed cannot be disclosed. The police are doing their job,” the officer told The Telegraph.