Date:19/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/19/stories/2007111956920100.htm

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Police detain over 500

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: The city police on Saturday night picked up as many as 705 persons from different localities for questioning in connection with various offences.

The action followed a directive issued recently by Commissioner of Police G. Nanchil Kumaran to intensify night patrolling, police officers said.

During checks conducted on Saturday, cases of drunk driving, rash and negligent driving and for not wearing helmets were booked against 150 persons. After verification of documents such as the registration certificate of the vehicle, driving licence and residence proof they were let off.

As regards the remaining 555 persons, the police said they were picked up on preventive grounds.

The public may report to the police control room any law and order problem or criminal activity experienced in their localities, a senior police officer said. Severe action would be initiated against those law offenders. The identity of the callers would not be revealed, he said.

Following one such call to the control room on Saturday night about customers of a hotel on North Boag Road in T. Nagar creating nuisance, the police went to the spot and raided the hotel.

The liquor bar at the hotel was allegedly kept open at 12.30 a.m. in violation of the government directive that such bars should close by 11 p.m. A case was registered against the hotel manager. Further investigation is on.