They were reviewing security arrangements in the mela area at Sangam in Allahabad.

The month-long mela will begin on January 14 at Sangam, where devotees and pilgrims will stay and perform religious rites.

Stressing on the need to secure entry and exit points, the DGP, it was learnt, has warned the officers of stern action if they deserted the mela area even at night. “Police personnel, including officers, who have been posted at the mela, will remain in the area even when off duty. Senior officers of the district were also instructed to be in the mela area at least during the main bathing days,” the DGP said.

On the possibility of a terror attack, the DGP said: “The police are ready to tackle any situation.”