Tight security scare for revellers on New Year eve

VADODARA: It was New Year eve but Barodians were moving around scared on the city streets on Monday night. Police had virtually turned the city into a fortress and deployed a large posse of policemen at several spots. Over 1,000 cops spread out in the city and kept a close eye on the streets till late in the night. The entry and exit points were under watch too.

The policemen were given 200 breathalyzers and they were deployed at 40 different points in the city. Over 300 cops moved around in civilian dress in the city and also at party venues. From December 25, 100 cops have been conducting regular vehicle checking at eight points and 11 check-posts. The entire exercise, however, left the citizens scared as even those travelling with families were intercepted by the cops.

A resident of Race Course area said big groups of policemen have been deployed on crossroads near his house and such a sight of cops checking vehicle and questioning every other commuter has ensured that people don’t go out and enjoy. Youngsters, though, flocked Sayajigunj and Fatehgunj areas to enjoy with their friends and families to ring in the New Year.