Date:26/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/26/stories/2007122661220300.htm

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Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

City police to keep tabs on revellers

Staff Reporter

Over 1,200 policemen to be deployed

Bomb disposal squads deployed at Kovalam
Police to crack down on drunken driving

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Over 1,200 policemen will be deployed in the city on New Year’s Eve.

The bulk of the deployment will be at Kovalam, the hub of New Year Eve celebrations in the district.

City Police Commissioner Ravada Azad Chandrasekhar said the massive police deployment was for better law enforcement, effective crowd control and enhanced regulation of traffic.

He said drunks and anti-socials will not be allowed to harass families and foreign tourists under the guise of New Year revelry. The police have deployed six police squads in plain clothes at Kovalam alone.

Each unit, code named ‘Shadow,’ consists of two police officers equipped with concealed communication equipment. The ‘Shadows’ also have women police officers working in mufti. The Commissioner said the number of such units at Kovalam will be doubled on New Year’s Eve. Similar plain clothes squads have been deployed in different parts of the city.

The police have deployed its Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS) at Kovalam to prevent any sabotage attempt during New Year Eve celebrations.

The Commissioner said the police will crack down on drunk driving.

Policemen will check motorists and two-wheeler riders for signs of drunkenness. Those who consume alcohol in public places and in vehicles will be prosecuted.

Suspect drivers will be sent for medical examination. Those found drunk will be booked and produced before the court. The police will also recommend the cancellation of their driving licenses.