Right Wing Outfits Demand Ban On Consumption Of Alcohol And Partying On New Year’s Eve At CBD In Bengaluru

Members of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and Sri Ram Sena submitted a memorandum to Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar on Friday. The demanded a ban on the consumption of alcohol and partying in the Central Business District (CBD) area of Bengaluru. The right wing outfits in their memorandum stated that several crimes against women were reported in that area on New Year’s Eve and this was the reason behind their demand. 

Right Wing’s Demand Draconian?

Although it is a well-known fact that MG Road and Brigade Road have become synonymous with New Year’s Eve celebrations, the CBD area is infamous for crimes against women on the given day. But on the other hand imposing restrictions on the movement of general public is seen as a regressive move by some. 

Recounting The Bengaluru New Year Horror 

In 2017, Bengaluru grabbed national headlines on New Year’s Eve after it was reported that some drunk men passed lewd remarks, harassed and molested women on Brigade Road. The crimes took place reportedly despite the presence of 1,500 policemen in and around the CBD area. In 2018, as well a couple had alleged that some men groped women in the crowd. 

READ: Bengaluru’s Deathole Claims Motorist’s Life

Bengaluru City Police To Heighten Security On New Year’s Eve 

The Bengaluru City Police has said that they will scrutinise the security in the city and in important junctions to better security to the public “Elaborate bandobast arrangements have been made to avert any untoward incidents. Every year we take up initiatives to provide better security and this year as well we are contemplating of suggesting party organizers  to employ women security guards. The organisers must alert the respective police stations in which jurisdiction they come under. They must give us information on what kind of party arrangements they will be making.”- T Suneel Kumar, Police Commissioner, Bengaluru 

Apart from MG Road and Brigade Road, restaurants and pubs in the city are said to have to be told to ensure that CCTV cameras are installed in relevant places both inside and outside the establishments. The City Traffic Police is also expected to undertake strict steps to prevent drink driving in the city.