Drink-driving, speeding during NYE revelry in Kolkata will lead to arrest, warns CP
Times of India | 29 December 2024
123 Kolkata: Ahead of the New Year's Day celebrations, Kolkata Police (KP) commissioner Manoj Verma on Saturday warned motorists that anyone indulging in drink-driving, speeding or negligent driving may face arrest besides detention. He emphasized on the KP's zero tolerance policy towards such behaviour on roads.
Crowds continued to choke Park Street on Saturday evening. Anticipating further rush on New Year's eve as well, the CP said a much bigger force would deployed to manage traffic on Tuesday (Dec 31).
A section of cops will conduct checks on drivers to see if they have consumed alcohol. Such surveillance is expected to start as early as 7pm on Dec 31.
In the past week, traffic cops have prosecuted 100 motorists and bikers every night. "We have set up 50 checkpoints which will not only monitor security but also keep a check on rogue drivers. In addition, there will be special arrangements on roads for the night and at all sensitive locations that witness high footfall," said Verma. He also said the force would ensure that the celebrations do not come in the way of ambulance movement ferrying the ill or the elderly. "Those blocking ambulances citing festivities will face criminal action," Verma warned.
Special teams, including plainclothes cops will ensure safety of women, elderly and children.
The commissioner added that they also reviewed and studied recent incidents when wanted terrorists managed to stay in hotels at city hotspots and asked OCs to stay alert.
Over 4,500 cops will be present from the morning till well past midnight on both Dec 31 and Jan 1 at hotspots like Alipore zoo, Victoria Memorial Hall, Science City, Indian Museum, Millennium Park, picnic spots, ghats, pubs, and clubs.
Around Park Street that is expected to draw the maximum crowd, all police stations and traffic guards have been asked to submit reports on how they handled the pedestrian and vehicle pressure. For regular visitors, the year-end festivities will feel more like pandal-hopping.
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