Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Police have announced a series of stringent measures to maintain law and order during New Year celebrations, including deploying special task forces to prevent violence and harassment against women and children, along with intensified checks against drunken driving. The measures will be enforced across the entire Police Commissionerate limits starting Wednesday evening, December 31.
City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said special squads would be stationed at vulnerable locations to ensure public safety during the celebrations. In addition to routine policing, focused teams will monitor crowded areas, party venues and public spaces to prevent untoward incidents and ensure a peaceful welcome to the New Year.
Zero tolerance for drunken driving and rash behaviour
Commissioner Reddy issued a stern warning against driving under the influence of alcohol. He said individuals caught drinking and driving would be booked under relevant provisions of the law, and the vehicles involved would be impounded without exception.
He added that police would also act strictly against those indulging in dangerous activities such as wheeling and drag racing on public roads. Such acts, he said, pose serious risks not only to the offenders but also to other road users, and will attract stringent legal action.
Special focus on safety of women and children
The Commissioner said special task forces would be deployed specifically to prevent harassment, molestation or violence against women and children during New Year revelries. Any complaint of misbehaviour, he warned, would be dealt with firmly and swiftly.
He emphasised that public celebrations should not become an excuse for unlawful or immoral behaviour, and urged citizens to celebrate responsibly while respecting the safety and dignity of others.
Ban on alcohol and narcotics in public places
A strict ban will be enforced on consumption of alcohol, narcotic drugs and smoking in public places. This includes bus stations, railway stations, roads, parks, beaches and other public spaces.
The police will also take action against any immoral activities such as indecent dancing or gambling carried out under the guise of New Year celebrations. Violators will be booked as per law, the Commissioner said.
Guidelines for event organisers
Commissioner Reddy stated that organisers of New Year events must obtain prior permission from the jurisdictional Assistant Commissioners of Police within the Commissionerate limits. In addition, organisers intending to serve liquor must secure the necessary licences from the Excise Department.
“No event will be allowed if prior permission has not been obtained,” he said, adding that organisers would be held responsible for any violations at their venues.
He also stressed that organisers serving liquor must ensure that individuals below 18 years of age are not permitted entry under any circumstances.
Celebrations to end by 12.30 a.m.
All New Year celebrations and revelries must conclude by 12.30 a.m. on January 1. The Commissioner warned that stringent action would be initiated against organisers who allow events to continue beyond the stipulated time.
Organisers have also been directed to use sound systems strictly within permissible noise limits. The use of DJ systems has been completely prohibited as part of the restrictions.
Mandatory safety arrangements
The police have made it mandatory for event organisers to put adequate safety measures in place. These include the availability of firefighting equipment, ambulances and other emergency response arrangements at the venue.
Organisers must also ensure that traffic flow on public roads is not affected due to their events. Separate parking arrangements should be made to prevent congestion and inconvenience to the general public.
Appeal to citizens
In conclusion, Commissioner Reddy appealed to the public to cooperate with the police and celebrate the New Year in a safe, lawful and responsible manner. He said the measures are intended to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festivities without fear or disruption, and warned that violations would be dealt with firmly to maintain public order.