The Maharashtra police are leaving nothing to chance to ensure that the New Year is ushered in safely and peacefully. A day after a low intensity blast killed a woman in Bengaluru, they have flagged terror threats and women’s safety as top concerns.
They have deployed 70 per cent of their staff for patrol at vital places and important checkpoints across the State.
The State has been on high alert ever since Al-Qaeda released a video threatening an attack. There has also been an intelligence input by the central agencies that the six alleged SIMI men who fled from the Khandwa district jail in Madhya Pradesh last year might carry out attacks in Maharashtra.
Other than the 120 CCTV cameras monitored from the Mumbai police’s control room, the police are in the process of installing 100 more privately owned CCTVs which will be monitored from their regional control rooms.
After the Uber cab rape incident, the security of women is a primary concern. For this purpose, police have decided to demarcate separate places for families, women and single men at places like the Gateway of India, Juhu Chowpatty and others where people congregate to ring in the New Year; 93 anti-eve teasing squads will be deployed near pubs, restaurants and areas of public gathering. Around 2,500 policewomen will be deployed on the streets to keep an eye on the revellers.
While the State has relaxed the deadline for partying until 5 a.m., which means that pubs and restaurants could serve liquor till that time, the Mumbai police have refused permission for parties on boats and jetties.“Leave of all policemen has been cancelled and the entire force will be deployed for patrol duty across the city,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhananjay Kulkarni said.
Meanwhile, in order to ensure that there are no cases of drunken driving, police will conduct random checks near pubs and restaurants and public places.
“We have put up banners on arterial roads to promote safe driving and have urged citizens to use public transport on December 31 to avoid snarls. A list of around 80 locations has been drawn where traffic policemen will be posted to nab speedsters and those driving under the influence of alcohol,” said a senior traffic police inspector.
