No lights out at parties on Dec 31 midnight: Mumbai cops

The police are not taking any chances with women’s safety this New Year’s Eve. They have instructed party organisers, especially in the western suburbs, to make sure the venue is lit sufficiently in a bid to avoid any untoward incidents.

The police are not taking any chances with women’s safety this New Year’s Eve. They have instructed party organisers, especially in the western suburbs, to make sure the venue is lit sufficiently in a bid to avoid any untoward incidents.

They have also asked the organisers not to switch off lights at the stroke of midnight.

The police are focusing mainly on hotels and pubs where revellers are likely to gather. The police have instructed the organisers to ensure parking lots are well-lit.

Milind Bharambe, additional commissioner of police, west region, said, “We will take all precautions to prevent untoward incidents this year. We have formed several police squads who will keep a watch at these parties.”

Anti-molestation squads, comprising five police personnel — including an officer and a woman police constable — will mingle with the crowd in civilian clothes, Bharambe said.

“A majority of the big parties on New Year’s Eve take place in the western suburbs and despite the massive police force, miscreants take advantage of the darkness and congested roads to harass women. So we are asking the party organisers to keep the lights on,” said Dattatray Bhargude, senior inspector of Khar police station. Besides this, the police will also keep a close watch on motorists driving under the influence of alcohol.