7-8 lakh people expected for New Year bash in Bengaluru: G Parameshwara

Parameshwara held a meeting with senior police officers including the Director General of Police Alok Mohan and Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda to review the security for the new year celebrations.

Around 7-8 lakh revellers are expected to take part in New Year festivities in Bengaluru on December 31, Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Monday, adding that elaborate security arrangements will be in place to ensure the celebrations take place smoothly.

Parameshwara held a meeting with all the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCPs) from Bengaluru. Also in attendance were DG&IGP Alok Mohan, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda and Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Chandragupta.

The home minister directed the police officers to not be lax in terms of security arrangements and urged them to ensure women’s safety and better coordination with the intelligence division. He warned that the DCPs, ACPs and other officers concerned will be held responsible in case of any mishaps or security lapses.

Parameshwara also urged the police to seek assistance from the BBMP, fire and emergency services, the BMTC and the BMRCL. He also directed the police to keep an eye on drink-driving cases, miscreants engaging in motorcycle stunts, and habitual offenders.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the home minister said that around 7-8 lakh people were expected to be in Bengaluru for New Year celebrations.

“We have already declared a war on drugs in Karnataka. We are serious about the issue. Our responsibility is to facilitate the public to celebrate Christmas and New Year peacefully. We want to ensure the crowd is regulated. All necessary steps have been taken by the police department,” he said.

He also promised measures to regulate the traffic and ensure miscreants do not misuse the opportunity to celebrate.