The police are putting in place stringent curbs on New Year’s eve celebrations on Kozhikode beach. Entry of vehicles will be restricted to the beach after 7 p.m. on Saturday, which is likely to create huge disappointment for those planning a low-cost celebration.
Officials from the Special Branch said the move was part of precautions being taken to prevent clashes by unruly crowds during celebrations. “We have limited number of police officers on duty, and the intention is to ensure a peaceful celebration for all,” they said.
Shadow police teams and women civil police officers in mufti have been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of women and children in various public places in the city and its suburbs. The police control room here will have a quick response mechanism for addressing all complaints related to New Year celebrations. Citizens may avail the service through the control room helpline — 100.
All hoteliers in the city have been asked to wind up New Year celebrations by 1.30 a.m. Bar hotels and beer parlours have to stop serving liquor by 11 p.m. as per the State-wide instruction. Policemen, including those from the Armed Reserve camp, will be deployed for ensuring proper compliance of directives by hoteliers.
The City Police Commissioner’s office has said that the rules will be applicable for New Year celebrations planned at resorts, hostels, flats, and apartments. To curb drunk driving, vehicle checking will be carried out at all major traffic junctions. All CCTV cameras under the city police and the Motor Vehicles Department have been readied for flawless night surveillance.
“We have no intention to curb celebrations in the city. The new restrictions planned by the department are to facilitate a peaceful celebration,” said Assistant Commissioner (Kozhikode South) K.P. Abdul Razak. He said the ban on functions after 1.30 a.m was aimed at reducing sound pollution.
