Varanasi, July 12 -- Ahead of the first Monday of the holy month of Sawan, security arrangements have been intensified in Varanasi, with the police deploying additional personnel to manage the anticipated heavy footfall of devotees.

Speaking to ANI, Kashi Zone Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Saravanan Thangamani said, "Adequate police force has been deployed, seeing the possibility of a large number of devotees who arrive in Kashi (during sawan). Nearly 2000 police personnel, 6 companies of CRPF, 10 companies of PAC, one flood relief company, and 1 team of ATS have been deployed."

"For security and traffic arrangements, regular anti-encroachment drives were being carried out in the Varanasi district and also in the Kashi...