Meerut, Mar 28 (PTI): Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and last Friday prayers of Ramzan, Meerut Police has issued strict warnings against unauthorised roadside prayers, saying violators will face strict legal action that may lead to their passports getting cancelled and driving licences revoked.

Union minister and RLD chief Jayant Singh was among the first to react to this decision, when he posted on X: " Policing towards Orwellian 1984!"

In his iconic novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four", George Orwell talks about law enforcers or Thought Police who have immense powers.

SP City Ayush Vikram Singh reiterated that Eid prayers should be offered at local mosques or designated Eidgahs and that no one should perform Namaz on the roads.

"Last year, some individuals defied the directives and prayed on the roads, leading to action against more than 80 people. This time, anyone violating the rule will face strict legal action," Singh told PTI Videos, adding that notices have already been issued regarding this.

He also warned that those involved in such cases may have their passports and licences revoked.

"If criminal cases are registered against individuals, their passports and licenses can be cancelled, and obtaining a new passport would become difficult without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the court. Such documents remain confiscated until the individuals are cleared by the court," Singh explained.

Meerut SSP Vipin Tada told PTI Videos that security agencies are coordinating closely with district administration, religious leaders, and local stakeholders to ensure a peaceful celebration.

Meetings have been conducted at both the district and police station levels, and necessary directives have been issued based on discussions with all parties.

"Strict action will be taken against those trying to spread rumours or incite unrest through social media. We are keeping a close watch on social media platforms, and any attempt to disrupt communal harmony will be dealt with firmly," the SSP said.

To bolster security, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed, and flag marches are being conducted in the district, Tada said. Sensitive areas have been identified based on past experiences, and special arrangements have been made there.

Tada further emphasized that the administration is working in coordination with prominent citizens and religious leaders to maintain peace and ensure smooth observance of the upcoming festivals.

To ensure law and order, Singh said that drones will be deployed for aerial surveillance, while local intelligence teams are actively monitoring the situation. Uniformed and plainclothes officers will also be stationed at all sensitive locations, he added.

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Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.

In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.

Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.

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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.

The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.

In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.