Cops in mufti out today to round up rowdy revellers

Squads of policemen in plain clothes will be on duty to ensure the safety of women as the city rings in the new year.

The city police have formed many such mufti squads this year. Every police station will have one, and the squads will be led by sub-inspectors, a source said. The central division alone will have 11 such squads keeping an eye out on MG Road, Church Street and Brigade Road.

The men in mufti will bundle unruly elements into private vehicles and lock them up at the police stations.

In fact, the city police are leaving nothing to chance as they gear up for New Year's Eve revelry on Sunday. Perhaps for the first time, the High Court is keeping a close eye on their preparedness to deal with the year-end frenzy.

The traffic police have announced an intensive drive against drunken driving. They are closing all flyovers, except the ones at Hebbal and near the airport.

Security on MG Road

Police Commissioner Suneel Kumar said on Saturday 250 Cheetah bikes and 500 Hoysala vans would patrol the city. An additional 300 CCTV cameras have been installed at MG Road, Brigade Road and Church Street, he tweeted. About 2,500 men and 500 women police personnel will be on duty in the area.

Box

No entry to Nandi Hills

The gates of Nandi Hills and Avalabetta in Chikkaballapur district will be closed on Sunday, district police said. Many revellers flock to hill resorts to usher in the new year.

BOX:

Revelry monitors
Cops on duty: 15,000
Home Guards: 2,500
Patrol vehicles: 750