Following BMC’s stringent guidelines for assembly, city police form special squad and warn wannabe revellers that any kind of gathering with more than four people in any public space will invite criminal action
Revellers during a terrace party on NYE. Representation pic
First, stay safe and don’t even think about terrace parties on 31st night. This is the message the Mumbai police have sought to send out to citizens in the backdrop of a sudden spike in COVID cases and the threat of the Omicron variant. With the night curfew in place, cops say they will take action if five or more people gather at one place on New Year’s eve. Senior officers said the Mumbai police will keep an eye on secret parties in public and private places like terraces and halls.
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We have formed a special squad that will keep a watch on private properties for parties on December 31. While the terrace is commonplace for New Year parties, it’s not allowed this time due to an increase in COVID cases,” said a senior police officer.
The officer said they are also worried after the sensational murder of an 18-year-old woman during a New Year party at Khar last year. The victim, Jhanvi Kukreja, was killed apparently after a fight at the terrace party at Bhagwati Heights society.
Another officer said, “It’s impossible to check each and every society but if any party is organised on the terrace it will be easily visible from outside. Our beat marshals and special squad will keep an eye on such parties. If any society or any group of people is found partying, they will be booked under section 144 CrPC.”
A crowd at the Gateway of India on December 31, 2019. File pic
Mumbai police spokesman and IPS officer S Chaitanya said, “It is clearly stated by MCGM [BMC] that no parties, gathering is allowed in Mumbai this year. If people are found partying they will be booked. From 9 pm to 6 am, there is a curfew and no more than 5 people are allowed in any gathering. Still, we are waiting for more clarification which we haven’t received yet on resorts, like if people are allowed inside the resort premises to party or not. In the coming days, we will get the clarification on this also. People should stay safe.”
Focus on drugs, firecrackers, too
Another police officer said they have a plan ready to crack down on drug use on the 31st night. “Our team will check that no drugs or rave parties are held at Gorai, Aksa, Madh, Rajodi beaches. We will also check resorts. If we get any complaints of partying in private places, action will be taken.”
While churches have been allowed to utilise only 50 per cent capacity for prayers, they have also been told not to let people gather on their premises. “Firecrackers are also banned this time. If anyone is found with firecrackers, they will be charged for nuisance. Cinemas, restaurants and bars will function till the regular time allowed,” said an officer.
Excise teams to track flow of illicit liquor
Excise department officials said smugglers of illicit liquor are more active in December. The department has formed several teams in Mumbai to nab smugglers of illegal booze. Officials said four flying squads, each comprising 10 officers, have been formed to patrol in south Mumbai, east Mumbai, north Mumbai and west Mumbai. They said 23 excise units are working across the city to stop the flow of illegal liquor. There are 8 officers in each excise unit.
Officials said these smugglers fill cheap liquor in discarded bottles of expensive brands and cheat customers. It also deprives the government of revenue. The flying squads will particularly keep a watch on upscale city areas that are known for big parties as smugglers will be keen to deliver booze at these venues.
A senior excise officer told mid-day, “The team is also keeping an eye on the check nakas to see if illicit liquor is being brought to Mumbai.”
Another senior excise officer said, “The department will take action as per the rules made by the state government regarding COVID-19.”
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No. of excise flying squads to track illicit liquor
Cases might go up, Cabinet told
A worried state cabinet was told on Monday that the COVID-19 cases were expected to spike further in the middle of next month.
The state’s positivity rate has increased to 1.06 per cent, with a three-fold jump in the cases in the past six days. The state’s active caseload has jumped from 6,200 on December 8 to 10,000 on Monday.
Additional Chief Secretary Dr Pradeep Vyas briefed the cabinet on Monday. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who attended online, asked for multiplying the daily vaccination from 5 lakh to a maximum possible.
The guardian ministers, who are now in the legislative session, have been asked to sensitise the machinery and people to increase the vaccination.
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