In a major crackdown on New Year's Eve celebrations, the Ahmedabad City Police arrested and detained a total of 353 individuals for violations related to liquor and traffic laws. The police action took place during the critical intervening night of December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026.
Massive Police Deployment for New Year's Eve
Anticipating large-scale celebrations across the city, the police had mounted an unprecedented security blanket. The force deployed for duty was staggering in its numbers and composition. Over 5,000 police constables were on the ground, supported by 3,500 Home Guards and two full companies of the State Reserve Police.
The operation was led by a strong contingent of officers, including 225 Sub-Inspectors, 115 Inspectors, 28 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP), 16 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP), and five senior officers of Additional or Joint Commissioner rank. To enhance mobility and response, the police deployed 123 police vehicles and nine Quick Response Teams (QRTs).
Tech-Driven Surveillance and Checkpoints
The physical police presence was powerfully augmented by digital surveillance and monitoring tools. The city's security apparatus was connected through a network of 4,000 CCTV cameras. Frontline officers were equipped with 2,560 body-worn cameras, of which 238 provided a live video feed directly to the central control room for real-time oversight.
To specifically tackle drunk driving and speeding, the police used 443 breath analysers and 39 speed gun cameras. A tight perimeter was established around the city with 14 check posts at all major entry and exit points. Further, 63 nakabandi (barricading) points were set up across Ahmedabad's internal roads to check vehicles. Specialized units like four teams of the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), 71 SHE teams (for safety of women), and 34 cranes were also part of the elaborate plan.
Breakdown of Arrests and Detentions
The intensive vigil yielded significant results, leading to hundreds of legal actions. The police registered cases against 69 people for driving under the influence of alcohol. These cases were filed under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, which carries strict penalties.
In a clear enforcement of Gujarat's prohibition laws, authorities booked 123 individuals in an equal number of cases for consuming alcohol. Additionally, 54 people were implicated in 44 separate cases for the illegal possession of liquor. From the total 353 persons proceeded against, 246 were formally arrested, while 107 were detained for further questioning and legal procedure.
The coordinated operation underscored the police's zero-tolerance approach towards liquor-related offences and traffic violations during the festive period, aiming to ensure public order and safety for all citizens welcoming the New Year.
