8,500 cops to be deployed for New Year celebrations in Bengaluru

Addressing a press conference, Dayananda said, “A large team comprising additional police commissioners, a joint commissioner, 15 deputy commissioners of police (DCPs), 45 assistant commissioners of police (ACPs), 160 police inspectors (PIs), 600 sub-inspectors, 600 assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs), 1,800 head constables, and 5,200 constables will be deployed.”

Speaking about New Year’s Eve celebrations on MG Road and Brigade Road, Dayananda said comprehensive CCTV surveillance, drone cameras and other technology will be used for policing. He said, “Taking a cue from the previous year when there was a stampede-like situation near MG Road Metro station, this year, the station will not be open for commuters after 11 pm, and they will either have to head to Cubbon Park or Trinity Metro station.”

Namma Metro will operate till 1.30 am on January 1 to cater to the New Year crowd.

Dayananda said police security has been enhanced at key locations such as MG Road, Brigade Road, Cubbon Park, Trinity Circle, Phoenix Mall, and various clubs.

While drag racing, stunts and speeding on flyovers were reported in the past, Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic) M N Anucheth said, “There will be 48 checkpoints across the city. Each traffic police station in the city will form a team to check on speeding, drag racing and stunts. The focus will be more on Outer Ring Road, NICE road and other important roads.”

In an advisory, the police said movement and parking of vehicles are banned on Brigade Road and MG Road up to the Opera junction on the night of December 31. Also, all parties in the city, including those at hotels, clubs, pubs, will have to conclude by 1 am. Dayananda also asked all the hotels, clubs and pubs in the city to maintain a record of customer details, including their name, age and phone number.