Don't go overboard, cops are watching!

The New Year and the accompanying revelry are sure to test the nerves of the City police.

 And the cops have risen to the occasion to ensure that no stone is left unturned to render the City safe. The pubs and hotels across the City are taking enough precautions to keep a close watch on the entry and exit of people.   

Kamal Pant, additional commissioner of police (law and order), says he has mobilised the entire civil staff. Twenty battalions from the City Armed Reserve and 26 platoons from the Karnataka State Reserve Police will be deployed in the City on the night of December 31. This is in addition to 500 policemen in and around MG Road area. Kamal says the entire police force will be out on the streets. “The force has been oriented to tackle any untoward incident. There will be 30 watch towers where our policemen will be stationed. We have installed CCTV cameras on MG Road and Brigade Road to watch out for any suspicious movement,” he says.

 Kamal also informs that they will come down heavily on those found wheeling and drag racing, especially in Jayanagar, Tumkur Road and Sarjapur Road areas.  

Additional commissioner of police (traffic) B Dayananda informs that drunken driving checks will be heightened at prominent points across the City. “People found drunk will be fined and we will also check for over-speeding. Those breaking the rules will be dealt with harshly,” he says.   Pubs and restaurants across the City claim that they will have an additional fleet of bouncers and extra cameras installed at the entrances and inside their establishments. People will be frisked for any objectionable material. Even women carrying large bags will not be spared.

BC Srinivas Murthy, managing director of Le Rock on Brigade Road, says the pub will be open till 12.30 am. “We have eight cameras in all corners of the pub. We have hired six bouncers who will check people before they enter and make sure that no one misbehaves.” Bhuvan Singh, the owner of Guzzler’s Inn on Brigade Road, says he will shut shop at 11.30 pm.

“There is no parking space. So there is no point keeping the pub open. We have one camera installed at the entrance and 11 more inside. These are monitored on a regular basis,” Bhuvan informs.    Sean L, a bartender at Pebbles near Palace Grounds, informs that the restaurant has tied up with taxi services to provide a drop back facility to its guests.

“There are 15 bouncers for New Year’s Eve and we spend quite a bit towards security. We provide taxi service to those who are not in a position to drive back to ensure they get home safe,” notes Sean.  Regular pub-goers feel one must choose the venues carefully and party sensibly on New Year’s Eve. Sindhu Jayakumar, a professional, shares, “Women must be vigilant about their surroundings and be responsible for their own actions. At the lounges, there are additional bouncers who are vigilant and easily approachable for any assistance. MG Road too looks safe with a lot of police presence,” she notes. 

Sindhu feels untoward incidents happen only towards the end of a party. “I think it’s best to leave the place a little early and ensure you are out before the exit gets crowded,” she sums up.