29 December,2012 07:36 AM IST | | Shiva Devnath
If you were planning to ring in the New Year at a bungalow by the beach, there is a chance you may end up facing the police's wrath. The Mumbai police has banned hiring of beach bungalows for partying in wake of the recent Delhi gang rape incident.
Representation pic
Every year, several bungalows by the beach are rented out to party planners to hold huge celebrations. However, the authorities say that they would be banning these parties to ensure women's safety. An official said that they had also increased troops around the areas of Gorai, Aksa and Manori where most beach parties are held.
Officials added that they would only grant permission to the bungalow owners and their relatives to organise parties provided they have the required licences from the excise department and from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).
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"Apart from bungalow owners, we have not granted permission to anyone to conduct private parties at these bungalows and guesthouses," said Mahesh Patil, deputy commissioner of police (Zone XI).
"We have sent notices to all bungalow owners that they will be booked if they rent out their bungalows for New Year's Eve parties," said a high-ranking police officer.
However, bungalow owners are not pleased. Ravindra Bhatia, owner of the Bhatia bungalow near Aksa beach said that after receiving the police notice, he has rejected at least 10 offers.
"We earn more than Rs 20,000 from a party. But this year, we will not be allowed, which will cause us severe losses," said another bungalow owner near Gorai beach. u00a0
