The Delhi Police has taken over every nook and corner of the national Capital to tackle hoodlums and drunkards, in case they create a problem on city roads on the New Year’s Eve. All the pubs, hotels and eating joints were put under surveillance by police personnel, who were out in large numbers to counter hooliganism. Restaurants and pubs have been asked to stop serving liquor by 12.30 am and there will be at least one policeman in every pub of the city. No vehicular movement will be allowed in inner, middle or outer circle of Connaught Place post 7 in the evening.
In order to ensure smooth New Year celebrations in the Capital, the Delhi Police has deployed 70 teams to check drunken driving. The area alone had around 50 picket points and checking of each vehicle was being done. Only those with a valid pass or booking tickets at designated places were allowed to enter. Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) have been deployed outside all major party destinations in South Delhi, including discotheques, lounge and open areas. Additional police force has been deployed at prominent places in New Delhi district and almost all five star hotels and malls. “All party places have been asked to close by 1 am. If they fail to do so, then police officials would take control. The restaurant, disc, lounge and bar owners have been told to make sure their guests reach home safe and don’t drink and drive,” said a police official.
Drunken drivers will be fined Rs 2,000 apart from suspension of their driving licences. The defaulters may also get a jail term. The drive will continue even after New Year parties are over. Special pickets were placed to check stunts on motorcycles, over speed, reckless, zig-zag and dangerous driving in
co-ordination with local police and PCR will be deployed at areas such as Mehrauli, Saket, Vasant
Vihar, South Extension, Rajouri Garden, Pitampura laxmi Nagar and Mayur Vihar,” said Anil Shukla, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic).