In a significant move to combat drug abuse and ensure peaceful year-end festivities, the Hubballi Police Commissionerate organized a large-scale bike rally across the city on Tuesday. The initiative aims to raise public awareness against narcotics and outline comprehensive security arrangements for the upcoming New Year celebrations.
Bike Rally Flags Off from Nehru Maidan
The awareness rally, flagged off by Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar from Nehru Maidan, traversed key thoroughfares of Hubballi. The route included major points like Channamma Circle, Koppikar Road, and Gokul Road, ensuring maximum visibility and public engagement. The rally served as a visual commitment from the police force towards creating a drug-free environment.
Stringent Precautionary Measures for New Year
Addressing the media, Commissioner Shashi Kumar detailed the department's multi-pronged strategy for maintaining law and order during the celebrations. Precautionary measures are being implemented on a war footing, informed by intelligence about planned celebration venues.
The police have already conducted station-wise parades of rowdy sheeters and drug peddlers, issuing stern warnings against involvement in any anti-social activities. A significant security blanket will be spread across the twin cities.
Key Security Deployments and Actions
Police bandobast will be intensified in sensitive locations identified by the department. These include:
- Hostels, malls, and party halls
- Resorts and crowded public spaces
- Areas known for mass gatherings
To ensure women's and children's safety, dedicated police personnel will be deployed. The security apparatus will be bolstered by:
- Continuous CCTV monitoring of sensitive zones
- Enhanced police patrolling across the city
- Establishment of 25 check posts within city limits
- Deployment of approximately 1,500 personnel, including Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) and special unit officials
Sustained Crackdown on Drug Menace
Commissioner Kumar emphasized the ongoing crackdown on narcotics, linking it to peaceful celebrations. Police have launched targeted drug raids in Hubballi-Dharwad, visiting locations suspected of manufacturing or selling illicit substances.
As part of a community-driven approach, officers have carried out door-to-door visits, urging citizens to inform authorities about drug peddlers and consumers. This public cooperation is deemed vital for the success of the anti-drug campaign.
Reflecting on past incidents during celebrations, the Commissioner stated that all measures are being taken to prevent any unpleasant events and aid the public in ringing in the New Year safely and happily. Senior officers, including DCP (Law & Order) Mahaning Nandagavi and DCP (Crime & Traffic) CR Raveesh, were present during the rally's flag-off, underscoring the department's unified effort.
