Women's safety top priority this New Year's Eve, say Mumbai cops

The cosy, secure confines of hearth and home seem to be emerging as the best bet to usher in the New Year this time.

Even as the police claim to be ramping up measures to enhance women’s safety on New Year’s Eve, women party-goers say they’d prefer to skip going to a pub or hotel.

Never mind that about 4,000 police personnel are scheduled to be deployed across the city to keep watch on trouble-makers. Of these, 450 will be women constables.

A senior police officer said they have increased the number of squads to look out for eve-teasers.

“Beaches, parks and other crowded spots like Gateway and Marine Drive will be guarded by our officers to ensure no untoward incidents take place. We will also deploy women officers at police stations to take down complaints from women even at night,” said this officer.

As for eateries and pubs, the police have set 1.30am as the deadline, keeping women’s safety in mind. Women officers in civilian clothes will ensure that women do not face any kind of harassment.

Joint commissioner of police (law & order) Sadanand Date, said that due to the increasing number of crimes against women, the police have taken precautions. “Cameras have been installed at places frequented by crowds. We will ensure all public places are well-lit,” said Date, adding that areas which see maximum footfalls on New Year’s Eve have been identified besides other vulnerable spots.