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With CCTV cameras, watchtowers and bunkers in place, cops will be watching YOU this New Year's Eve
 It's going to be a mixed bag for New Year revellers this year. Firstly, in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks, the level of security checks at public places will be at an all-time high. In addition, crowds will be discouraged from loitering post midnight.
Jt Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) K L Prasad said, "Our aim is to create confidence in the minds of the public that the city is safe. The police presence on the streets should help us in doing so."
Secondly, the Gateway of India, which was witness to the worst-ever attack in the city, will resemble a fortress, with police watchtowers, bunkers and barricades to man the crowds. Add to that the presence of police personnel in civilian clothes, who will be on the look out for incidents of eve-teasing and molestation.
So you better be careful before passing a remark at an unknown woman. She may just turn out to be a cop in civil dress, and you may end up coolling your heels in the lock-up on the first day of the year.
Additional Commiss-ioner of Police (South) region Dr K Venkatesham said, "Entry to the Gateway of India will be restricted between the Shivaji statute and Swami Vivekanand statue, reducing the total area available for public gathering."
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BE CAREFUL: The presence of police personnel in civilian clothes will hopefully prevent a repeat of molestation cases, like this one at the Gateway two years ago. FILE PIC | He added, "There will be separate queues for women and families, while single men will have another entry point. Firecrackers are strictly banned."
Radio Club president, advocate Mohan Mirchandani, said, "The huge party that used to happen on the pier everywhere on Christmas and New Year's eve has been cancelled for security reasons. All guests visiting the club henceforth will have to carry a photo identity card."
Most areas around the Gateway of India will be barricaded, vehicles will not be allowed to park, and the crowds will be asked to disperse after 12.30 am. The entire will be monitored with CCTV cameras and ample watchtowers/ bunkers will be in place to monitoring the crowds.
Barricades will be put up at the entry point of Regal Cinema and Radio Club, and suspicious people will be frisked. The road connecting to Marine Drive via Mantralaya will be sealed.
"Though Mumbaikars have decided on a low key Christmas and New Year, we are not taking security issues lightly," explained DCP Zone 1 Vishwas Nangre Patil. Policemen in patrol boats with powerful searchlights will keep vigil on cruise liners and private boats in and around the Marina. "Public will be restricted from venturing near the jetties," said Venkatesham.
Dos
} Photographs allowed
} Existing stalls and shops near Gateway will be functional
Don'ts
} Bursting of fire crackers
} Carrying food and water bottles
} Banned substances and alcohol
} Plastics bags
} Parking of vehicles
} Entry to jetties restricted
} Loitering after 12.30 am on New Year's Eve
Juhu molester still at large
It's been a year, and the Juhu police are yet to trace the culprit who molested a newly-wed NRI woman outside the J W Marriott on New Year's Eve. The police had arrested 14 boys in connection with the case, but could not prove the charges against them in the court. The accused walked out on bail. However the cops failed to arrest the main accused. Also the victim refused to co-operate with the police and lodge a complaint. |
