Plain-clothes cops to monitor parties at hotels, public places

Squads of policemen and policewomen from the social service branch (SSB) will be patrolling hotels, public places and other crowded areas on New Year’s Eve next Monday to protect women from being sexually harassed, reports Rahul Mahajani.

Squads of policemen and policewomen from the social service branch (SSB) will be patrolling hotels, public places and other crowded areas on New Year’s Eve next Monday to protect women from being sexually harassed.

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BG Shekhar, deputy commissioner of police (SSB) said while special squads at police stations will be operational SSB squads will also do rounds all over the city. He said the squads would be mobile and mostly be on vigil in areas that attract large crowds.

“Our focus would be to catch those who take advantage of the crowd and sexually harass women or other activities such as chain-snatching,” said Shekhar. Culprits would be arrested immediately.

The squads would also focus on raiding places where illegal activities such as drug and flesh trade were being conducted.

Informers have already been asked to keep track and give information on any untoward incident or shady deals they notice on December 31 night. The squads will also coordinate with local police stations to ensure there is no delay in taking action.

The Mumbai police have already announced that special squads would be placed across city police stations to monitor crimes against women and maintain law and order on December 31 night.

The government has allowed New Year celebrations to continue till 5am the next day. Bars, too, can serve liquor till 5am.

There will be massive police bandobast (deployment) in the city starting December 31 evening and continue till late next day.

Apart from patrolling by vehicles and foot, police would also be deployed at key places where people gather to celebrate the New Year.

Besides, traffic police will place barricades on all major roads to check for drink-driving. All senior officials will be on duty and leave of all the police personnel have been cancelled.

The police have also asked women to call the 103 helpline for help, not only on December 31 but whenever they found themselves in any situation.