Extra cops to be present in approved zones

Mumbai: Special police teams are likely to be deployed in the ‘nightlife zones’ after the proposal is passed by the government in order to deal with crimes such as molestation, drunk driving and chain snatching. The police is making arrangements in the wake of the state government mooting the idea a few months ago.

The move to open all the eateries and restaurants 24/7 was earlier shot down, with opponents citing that due to services there may be a rise in anti-social activities like molestation and robbery, which would lead to law-and-order problems.

Deven Bharti, joint commissioner of police (law and order) told The Asian Age, “Anyway, there is a deployment of police personnel all over the city at night, irrespective of the area being a nightlife zone or not. Given that passing of the nightlife zone proposal may give rise to anti-social acts, special arrangements will be done.”

Additional police patrolling and checking will be put in place in the areas that fall under the nightlife zones after passing of the proposal. Crimes such as drunk driving and molestation may have a rise in numbers, but with appropriate arrangements, it will be brought under control, said an officer on the condition of anonymity.