How is Kolkata Police Ensuring Safety for New Year Celebrations?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced security measures in Kolkata for New Year.
- Around 2000 police personnel deployed across the city.
- Focus on preventing drunk and reckless driving.
- Special units, including female officers, on duty.
- Surveillance at key locations like Park Street and popular parks.
Kolkata, Dec 31 (NationPress) Following the recovery of weapons and ammunition from two sites within the city, Kolkata Police have enhanced security and monitoring efforts in anticipation of the New Year’s festivities.
A spokesperson for the Kolkata Police stated on Wednesday that officers will maintain heightened vigilance throughout the day, especially during the midnight events. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), previously implemented for Christmas celebrations, will be active until Sunday.
The police have indicated that these measures are aimed at ensuring the celebrations proceed without any disturbances. A particular emphasis will be placed on monitoring drunk and reckless driving, particularly involving motorbikes.
Approximately 2000 police personnel will be patrolling the streets of Kolkata during the New Year festivities. Senior officials, including those holding the ranks of Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, and Inspector, will be stationed at various key locations.
Park Street in central Kolkata is adorned with beautiful lights for New Year celebrations, attracting large crowds annually. The city police are implementing precautions to avert any disorder during this year’s festivities.
In addition to uniformed officers, a special unit of female officers known as 'Winners' will be present. Several watchtowers have been set up around Park Street, and Quick Response Teams (QRT) alongside Heavy Radio Flying Squads (HRFS) will also be deployed in the area.
Security measures will be intensified at popular spots including the Zoological Garden in Alipore, Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Maidan, Prinsep Ghat, and Millennium Park. Surveillance will be coordinated from Lalbazar, with Naka checks occurring at various points to deter drunk driving. Monitoring will also extend to metro services.
Earlier this week, the Kolkata Police's Special Task Force (STF) recovered several firearms and apprehended two individuals in connection with the investigation. Acting on a tip-off, STF officers detained two young men on Strand Road in Central Kolkata, seizing a single-shot pistol, a 7mm pistol, and improvised firearms.
Additionally, 20 to 22 rounds of ammunition were confiscated. Another suspect was arrested in a related incident in the Alipore area of south Kolkata, where approximately 11 firearms were retrieved from him.