Mumbai click-starts 2015 with a flash

The Mumbai police swung into action early on December 31, to ensure the New Year celebrations pass off peacefully. The 16-hour shift which started at 4pm on December 31 went on till 8am on January 1.

The Mumbai police swung into action early on December 31, to ensure the New Year celebrations pass off peacefully. The 16-hour shift which started at 4pm on December 31 went on till 8am on January 1.

Around 1,000 personnel from the Mumbai traffic police were deployed at major traffic junctions in the city since evening. Patrolling with intensive checks for drink driving were carried out from 8pm.

Large police presence was witnessed at popular spots such as the Gateway of India, Girgaum, Juhu chowpatty, Marine Drive, Carter Road, Bandra Bandstand and Madh island, to prevent any crime against women.

At spots such as the Gateway of India, Mumbai police had separate queues for men and women. The police also put up temporary CCTVs, metal-frame detectors and set up temporary control rooms to monitor the proceedings.

Bars and five-star hotels were overflowing with enthusiasm, bouyed by the state order to keep hotels open till 5am. Many arranged for transport, to avoid drink driving.

Dog squads and bomb detection and disposal squads (BDDS) were on the alert, in wake of the terror alert issued by central agencies following the blast in Bangalore, which left one dead and three injured.