Haridwar Kumbh Mela: 1,553 RSS Volunteers Work 12 Hour Shifts To Assist Cops In Managing Crowd And Traffic

For the first time ever, 1,553 Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteers have been appointed as Special Police Officers (SPOs) by Uttarakhand Police for this year’s Kumbh Mela.

While 1,053 RSS volunteers are working in the field, the rest are back-up strength. The police have also issued them identity cards, a cap and a jacket.

RSS is among many social organisations, including Congress Seva Dal, which were roped in as SPOs for this year’s Kumbh, reports The Indian Express.

“Meetings were then held with IG Gunjyal. Later, two additional SPs in different sessions briefed our selected volunteers about their role as SPOs. There are more than 1,500 SPOs from the RSS this year,” said Sunil, RSS Uttarakhand Prant Sharirik Pramukh.

“RSS volunteers helped out during Kumbh in the past as well but this is the first time they have been issued identity cards of SPOs. They are doing well in traffic and crowd management,” said Kumbh Mela Deputy SP Birendra Prasad Dabral.

RSS volunteers are working in shifts in Haridwar city, ghats, railway stations, crossing and diversion points and district borders of Rishikesh, Tehri, Pauri and Uttar Pradesh borders with at least six swayamsevaks working at each location.