With special squads manning the streets and traffic police laced with video cameras to shoot errant drivers, the Mumbai Police will be out in full force to ensure that the New Year eve is celebrated safely here. A 30,000-strong police force, including more than 3000 traffic police personnel will be out on the streets, while nakabandis have been increased threefold and every police personnel’s leave has been cancelled.
Special squads have been formed in every police station to nab revellers who get involved in eve-teasing. Police personnel in plainclothes will also be present at parties to check if drug use in the bashes that are slated to continue till early morning on January 1.
The police have already undertaken a drive against drug-peddlers to curb the increased supply of drugs to private parties during the New Year bash. They have also arrested many drug addicts.
This year, the Mumbai Police have directed bar-owners and hotel-owners to keep tabs on customers who will be served liquor. The bar-owners will have to check that excess liquor is not served and that those who are served alcohol do not drive back. Senior officers said that if a person is caught driving under the influence of alcohol, action will be taken against the bar-owners as well.
This year, the traffic police will also carry 100 video cameras to shoot the culprits driving under the influence of alcohol. The footage will be used to nab them in case they escape police action on the spot.
Moreover, 100 CCTV cameras installed at strategic locations will help nab the culprits and provide crucial evidence in cases against them.
The police have undertaken awareness campaigns in the city. Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Brijesh Singh appealed to parents to save their numbers as ICE (in case of emergency) on their children’s mobiles. He said that it will help the police reach them faster in case of any mishap, or if the children are found breaking rules or caught for drunken driving.
Like every year since 2008, no cruise parties will be held in the city this year too. The police chief has advised people to stay in their limits while celebrating.
The Mumbai Police have identified zones where overcrowding takes place every year. Cranes will be deployed this year to keep the roads free for vehicular movement.
