MADURAI
With over 2,500 police officers and men deployed at all the arterial roads and important junctions, New Year revelry was on a regulated note without any overindulgence that caused inconvenience to the general public on Monday night.
Police personnel were deployed at 66 identified junctions right from 6 p.m. as the revellers set out on motorbikes. As the night set in, more police personnel were seen moving around.
Inspector General of Police (South Zone), K.P. Shanmuga Rajeswaran, who holds additional charge of Commissioner of Police, Madurai City, himself was making rounds in the city till the small hours of Tuesday, monitoring the celebrations across the city.
“Our men were told that it was no law and order situation they were going to tackle. They were asked to ensure safety of the revellers, who were on their motorbikes, and also the general public who were out on the roads for celebrations,” he said.
“It was an incident-free night where celebrations did not go overboard,” he added.
Police parties were alerted to pick up those who were on rash riding and driving.
Those who were found to be on rash riding were caught and made to sit under shamianas put up at four different parts of the city.
“Our officers counselled them about the danger of speeding. We even offered them biscuits and water and let them go after making them sit and think for a few minutes,” Mr. Rajeswaran said.
Those who were found drunk and riding were made to wait till someone from their family or friends came to take them home safely.
“These initiatives worked as an effective deterrent. Instead of picking them up on New Year day for punitive action, we regulated their activity and educated them,” he said.
A total of 19 cases for drunk driving/riding, 17 cases for speeding, 21 cases of triple-riding and five cases of cellphone riding were booked. In total, 1,117 cases were booked for various violations and ₹1.66 lakh fine was imposed on them.
Meanwhile, a cyclist was run over by a lorry in the city on Monday night.
The deceased M. Pradeep Kumar (55) of Anupanadi, was hit from behind by the lorry near Chintamani Railway Gate.
