Bengaluru: The country’s IT capital, Bengaluru, will become a fortress on New Year’s Eve with a strong police presence and elaborate security arrangements to prevent any undue incidents in revelry.
Bhaskar Rao, a Bengaluru city police commissioner, said on Saturday that there would be about 15,000 police security personnel, including senior officials, police, internal guards and private security personnel.
“There will be more than 1,500 CCTV cameras. In addition, drones in adequate numbers,” Rao said Saturday.
Security agreements drawn up to control the large number of people taking to the streets to celebrate the New Year. Especially in areas like Brigade Road, MG Road, Indiranagar and Kormangala among other localities that have a large number of pubs, restaurants and party venues.
Rao said there will be adequately lit watchtowers in some of these areas to watch over any unruly elements that tend to create problems for others, especially women.
Rao said all drivers of the cab aggregator platforms have been asked to take an oath for women’s safety. Rao said party women should be careful not to accept drinks from strangers to avoid any mixture of drugs.
Rao also said strict measures would be taken against those attempting moral crowds. Several organizations have demanded a ban on New Year’s Eve celebrations that cite damage to culture and traditions.
Although Bengaluru, like other places across the country, has seen a large number of protests over the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (2020) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the police have kept the peace without there are reports of violence in the city.
But around New Year’s Eve there are multiple problems that arise when intoxicated and unruly crowds often cause problems in the course of their revelry.
People from all parts of the city pour into the central business district and have a tendency to speed up and disturb others on the road.
Police have warned of serious consequences for these items.
“Then the next thing is maybe on occasions like this, we see the presence of chemical drugs like cocaine amphetamines and other pills,” he said, adding that police will deploy canine units at party venues and hotels. He said police will not hesitate to enter hotels and even rooms if there is information about these activities.
Bengaluru police have busted several major street vendors in recent months and selling drugs to young people in the city.
Bengaluru police said the 41 overpasses, including elevated corridors leading to the airport and the electronic city, will be closed from 10pm to 6am to prevent speeding and accidents.