As the countdown to the ‘31st night’ gains momentum, Nagpur City police are gearing up for the bandobast ahead

of New Year’s Eve celebrations with an unprecedented deployment. The City Police have deployed a fleet of 2,500 police personnel, commencing their watch over the entire city since Sunday evening. In a bid to ensure public safety and prevent untoward incidents, the police have formed 120 special squads for crackdown on drunk driving. “With a focus on maintaining law and order during the festivities, the police blockades have been strategically placed at 70 locations across the city,” said Commissioner of Police (CP) Amitesh Kumar. Staff from police stations concerned and traffic police are set to be stationed at various locations to ensure a visible and proactive presence. The police squads will be especially deployed at the entry points to the city to nab the drunkards coming from rural areas in the night.

 

The top brass have issued instructions to their counterparts to ensure a trouble-free environment for families traveling during the celebrations. Anti-social elements would be put behind the bars with immediate effect. In addition, special patrolling units are set to monitor popular gathering spots including Futala and Dharampeth to maintain law and order. Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar has taken a stern stance on ensuring the safety of women during the celebrations. Police Inspectors have been directed to quickly apprehend those who engage in molesting or eve-teasing of women and girls. As a part of the pre-celebration preparations, 90 parties have been granted official permission while 18 establishments promoting unapproved events on social media have been sternly warned. Owners of party venues and hotels have received directives to prioritise women’s safety by installing CCTV cameras. Women police officers in plain uniform will be deployed at these locations.

 

A notification under Section 144 of the CrPC was issued by the CP Kumar, on Friday, in this regard. A strong warning has been issued against playing loudspeakers after midnight, with strict legal consequences for violators. Officers in uniform and plain-clothes will be deployed across the city to quickly address any anti-social or violent behaviour. Right from the Commissioner of Police to Police Constables, all would be on the field whole night to maintain peace in the city. Mobile surveillance vehicles equipped with CCTV cameras will be patrolling the city to enhance vigilance and quickly respond to any untoward incident. The bandobast will involve Traffic Police, Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police (RCP) and staff from all police stations. The police have urged citizens to adhere to the Supreme Court’s regulations on bursting of firecrackers and avoid exceeding prescribed time limits.