The district police and police commissionerates across the state were instructed on Friday to ensure that “criminal elements” do not take law in their own hands and cause mob violence.

The cops were also asked to stick to guidelines to prevent incidents of lynching in the ensuing festival season that would commence with Rathyatra on Sunday.

The director general of police and the additional director general of police (law and order) briefed the district police chiefs through a video conference.

The cops were asked to ensure that precautions are in place to prevent stampede-like situations.

A stampede at a religious congregation in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras claimed more than 100 lives last
Tuesday.

“All police districts and commissionerates have been asked to make arrangements to ensure that there should be no untoward incidents of mob violence or lynching during the festive season,” said sources in the state home department.

Several incidents of mob violence and lynching have been reported across the state in the last few weeks.

A senior police officer posted as a district chief said that mischief and trouble mongering increases many times during festivals and at large gatherings.

“It has been instructed to remain vigilant against rumour mongering through person or social media that can cause panic or mob violence,” said the officer.

The police have also been asked to ensure that there should be no trouble or violence during celebrations of two different religions, considering the fact that the dates of Ulta Rathyatra and Muharram would clash this year.

All the police districts have also been instructed to remain vigilant against the activity and operations of inter-state gangs that often target places during festivals.

Bengal has witnessed a series of armed dacoities and extortion calls to businessmen where inter-state gangs were found to be involved.