Kolkata Police have increased security measures following the recovery of arms and ammunition from two locations in the city. Officers will maintain heightened vigilance throughout New Year’s Eve, including during the midnight celebrations. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) introduced before Christmas will be in effect until Sunday to ensure a safe conclusion to the festivities.
Approximately 2000 police personnel will be deployed on Kolkata’s streets during the New Year celebrations. Senior officers, such as Deputy Commissioners and Inspectors, will be strategically positioned at various sites. Park Street, a popular New Year destination in central Kolkata, is adorned with lights and attracts large crowds annually. Police are taking precautions to prevent any disturbances during this year’s celebrations.
In addition to uniformed officers, a special team of women police officers named ‘Winners’ will be on duty at Park Street. Several watchtowers have been set up in the area, and Quick Response Teams (QRT) and Heavy Radio Flying Squads (HRFS) will also be present. Enhanced security measures will be in place at various landmarks like the Zoological Garden, Victoria Memorial, and Indian Museum. Surveillance will be coordinated from Lalbazar, with Naka checks at multiple locations to deter drunk driving.
The Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) recently seized multiple firearms and arrested two individuals based on a tip-off. The recovered weapons included a single-shot pistol, a 7mm pistol, and improvised firearms, along with 20 to 22 rounds of ammunition. Another individual was apprehended in connection with a similar incident in the Alipore area, leading to the recovery of 11 firearms.
