Nagpur: Woman next to you at New Year’s party could be an undercover cop

NAGPUR: Undercover women cops would be present at party venues for New Years eve celebrations, city police chief Amitesh Kumar said on Friday. Their sole task would be to ensure safety of women without getting noticed.
With permission to serve drinks till 5am being issued by the government, city police too have set up 25 anti-drunk driving squads to nab drivers and riders driving under the influence of liquor. “Some 2,500 personnel would be deployed across the city. There will be 25 special squads with teams from local police stations, who would be engaged in catching drunk drivers,” said Kumar. He added that the vehicles would be taken to the police stations along with the drivers and riders if they are found driving under the influence of liquor.
“We have procured 10,000 special use-and-throw pipes for breath analyzers. The traffic cops would be equipped with body cameras and action shall be undertaken under the CCTV cameras,” said the CP. “Citizens would be strictly dealt with if they behave rudely with police and disturb their working,” he said.
Kumar said women cops from the crime branch will be deployed in plain clothes at different party venues. “Women’s safety, crime prevention and safe driving would be the three top priorities of the cops on New Year’ s eve,” said Kumar, adding that the anti-teasing ‘Damini squad’ would also be moving around the city.
Kumar said stringent action under relevant sections would be initiated if anyone is found misbehaving with the women. “Meetings of women Dakshata Samiti would be conducted to sensitize police volunteers to alert cops and intervene in situations to help,” said the CP.
Kumar said some 33 spots would have fixed nakabandi, which would be concentrated in and around places like Sitabuldi, Ambazari, Sadar and central Nagpur. “Some 37 organizers have been given permission to hold New Year’s celebrations parties. Our cyber patrolling team had noticed that 13 more organizers are promoting their events on social media. They were also summoned and asked to seek permissions,” said the CP.
The top cop also said that bars, hotels, restaurants and event venue owners have been asked to ensure their music system or DJs must stop at 12 midnight if they are operating in an open space. “There would be no restrictions on music systems within four walls. There should be liquor permits from the excise department for all those who want to serve hard liquor,” said the CP, adding kitchens can function round the clock. “CCTVs must be in working condition and parking properly manned at all party venues,” said the top cop.