Pramesh S Jain
With the New Year celebrations just days away,the Bengaluru City Police have intensified security measures across the city,launching a special drive to ensure public safety and prevent untoward incidents.
Police have set up barricades at key junctions and major roads across the city and are carrying out extensive vehicle checks as part of precautionary measures.
Vehicles including autos,cars and two-wheelers are being stopped and inspected,with police personnel checking boot spaces and documents.
Special focus is being laid on curbing the transportation and sale of Narcotic substances.
The checking drive is being conducted in all police station limits,with senior officers,including Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs)and Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), personally supervising the operations.
Major roads and nightlife hubs such as MG Road, Brigade Road,Church Street,Koramangala 80 Feet Road and Indiranagar 100 Feet Road are under strict surveillance.
During the checks,cases of drunk driving are also being detected,and motorists found driving under the influence of alcohol are being taken into custody.
Police sources said the heightened alert follows inputs from central intelligence agencies,advising high vigilance in major cities in the wake of recent incidents,including a bomb blast reported in Delhi.As a result,Bengaluru city has been placed on high alert.
As part of the New Year security plan,checking drives will be intensified three days a week,especially on Fridays,Saturdays and Sundays.
In addition to road checks,police are also conducting inspections at pubs,restaurants,malls and other party hotspots across the city.
Surveillance is being strengthened through drones and CCTV cameras to monitor suspicious and illegal activities.
Police teams are verifying CCTV functionality,security arrangements,availability of emergency exits,fire safety measures and the deployment of bouncers at pubs, hotels and restaurants.
Police along with fire and emergency service personnel conducting fire safety audits at the major pubs,bars , restuarants where public gathering is expected.
With the New Year buzz already beginning nearly two weeks in advance and party bookings on the rise,the police have made it clear that strict enforcement and heavy security checks will continue to ensure safe and incident-free celebrations in the city.
