Chhattisgarh police on high alert for New Year; stunts, public cake cutting to invite jail

Raipur

Chhattisgarh police have issued strict guidelines for New Year celebrations across the state, warning that individuals performing road stunts or cutting cakes in public places will face immediate imprisonment. Authorities have placed the state on high alert to prevent law and order situations during the festivities.

Raipur police have ordered all hotels, cafes, and restaurants to switch off DJ systems and loud music by 10 pm. Strict action will be initiated against farmhouse and hotel owners found serving liquor without a valid permit.

Raipur SSP Lal Umed Singh has directed event organisers to ensure the safety of their guests. “Organisers will be held responsible for every customer. If a customer becomes intoxicated, it is the responsibility of the organiser to ensure they reach home safely,” the SSP said.

Organisers must also provide adequate parking space. Parking on main roads or service roads is prohibited, and establishments will be penalised for any traffic congestion. This year, the excise department has issued only 12 temporary liquor licences for events, a significant drop from 42 licences issued last year.

The state capital will see the deployment of 600 personnel and 50 patrolling vehicles. CCTV cameras will monitor all major celebration venues. In Bilaspur, SSP Rajnesh Singh confirmed that over 800 police personnel and 100 Home Guard jawans will be on duty. The police will use drones and interceptor vehicles to monitor crowds and track traffic violations such as triple riding or modified exhausts.

In the Bastar region, security was tightened four days in advance. ASP Maheshwar Nag stated that 400 personnel have been deployed in Jagdalpur, with 150 CCTV cameras monitoring the town. Police teams are conducting regular checks at hotels, bus stands, and taxi stands.

Durg police have warned of immediate arrests for those engaging in hooliganism or dangerous driving. SSP Vijay Agrawal said the entire district would remain under 24-hour surveillance on 31 December and 1 January.

Similar directives have been issued in Raigarh and Surguja districts. Authorities have instructed that all shops in peripheral areas must close between 12 am and 12.30 am. Citizens have been urged to report any suspicious activity to the emergency helpline 112 or the police control room at 9479192099.