Revelry for youth, worry for police

CHENNAI, DEC. 29. The dawn of each new year brings renewed hope and joy for everyone. But, for police, the eve and the dawn cause extreme anxiety.

Controlling reckless revellers is a daunting task for the men and women in khaki. As youth who ride two-wheelers in ``Mad Max'' style invade the road, with police mostly remaining silent, the lives of other road users are threatened. Then there are others who insist on blocking vehicles and force occupants out ``to wish'' New Year.

The last New Year eve was one of the worst for motorists. Twenty accidents were reported: five fatal and 13 resulted in serious injuries. The year before, three were killed and 19 seriously injured.

Past experience shows that a strong police presence on roads does not deter these youthful revelries. Notorious are the stretches of Anna Salai and Kamarajar Salai where youth, especially on motorcycles, ride in a frenzy. For many who come out to celebrate, this is a nightmare.

There are several instances of violence in the past with berserk youth clashing with anyone and everyone around, even in the presence of police personnel. Several incidents of eve-teasing go unpunished - the youth target young girls under the pretext of greeting them. They insist on shaking hands and many a time misbehave. The police are everywhere, but usually look at this as harmless fun.

Despite a stern warning by the City Police Commissioner that action would be taken against wine shops, which do business beyond 11 p.m., it is worth waiting to watch how the IMFL outlet owners react to the ultimatum. Most wine shop outlets, including the ones owned by politically influential persons, are open even on ordinary days beyond the stipulated hours of business. Some do business through a pigeon hole, well past mid-night. It would not be surprising to find them doing brisk business into the wee hours of the New Year.

``New year is the prime time for our business. The police are lenient and do not act as spoil sport'', comments an IMFL retailer. It is not surprising, as the police hardly register any cases of drunken driving during New Year eve when it is a known fact that several persons celebrate with a drink. ``Traffic police take all steps to ensure safety for the motorists. Instead of booking cases, we distribute pamphlets on safe-driving with a New Year greeting,'' says a senior police officer. But, things are only taking a turn for the worse as police turn a blind eye, charge traffic planners.

Government hospital casualty units become more vigilant on New Year eve. ``We are always alert at the accident ward. We ensure there is sufficient manpower to handle any emergency'', says Dr.K.Chellappan, Dean of Government General Hospital.

Car-owners are wary of goons who normally target automobile windscreens, if the occupants refuse to acknowledge ``greetings extended to them''.

The MTC also plays its part and plies special services on different routes, mainly to places of worship such as Tiruverkadu, Mangadu and Besant Nagar.

The police claim that an elaborate security scheme based on their past experience will be on place to ensure that the revellers do not run riot on the roads. With the beach being the most favourite haunt for most revellers, the Elliots Beach Road is being made one-way on a temporary basis. Anna Salai, which witnesses the usual revelry, is also to be under control. Shopkeepers and hoteliers have been warned against celebrating the occasion by cutting cakes on the roads.

The police are also opening special out-posts at sensitive points in different parts of the city. Armed police personnel equipped with walkie-talkies will patrol these points.

The best advice given to those stepping out on New Year eve is to exercise caution.

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