Kochi: Police claimed that the restrictions on night parties in Kochi was imposed following an intelligence report of huge quantity of LSD and other drugs reaching the city in the wake of new year celebrations. Recently, the excise had also conducted inspections at Fort Kochi region, but in vain. “There was intelligence reports from various sources that there would be drug flow in city. We considered that among other reasons before going ahead with the plan to impose regulations and keep a check on the parties in Kochi city,” said M.P. Dinesh, Kochi city police commissioner.
Customs commissioner K.N. Raghavan said that the Customs is monitoring the situation. “We are keeping all things in open. There is an alert against smuggling of narcotics due to the festive season,” he said. Mr Raghavan added that there are unconfirmed reports of smuggling in city. Deputy commissioner of excise, Ernakulam Narayanan Kutty held discussions with district collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla and also with the customs commissioner K.N. Raghavan in the wake of reports of drug inflow.
A facsimile of the report on Dec, 25
We are keeping a vigil, but chances of major haul in Kochi is low, he added. Kochi city police released the statistics of the crimes registered in the last two years in connection with the New Year bash. According to police, five persons died in drunken driving incidents while there are more than 50 cases of traffic violations. Police said that there were 19 cases registered by women alleging abuse. In the last few days, the cops booked 200 persons for drunken driving.
No partying after 12:30, says police
Kochi city police on Tuesday imposed restrictions on partying in Kochi City by asking hotels to light up the party area and to wind up sessions by 12.30 am. Police even asked hotels to install CCTV cameras. All the parties in the city would be under police surveillance with a plain clothes cop attending. Police had earlier rejected applications from major hotels to conduct DJ parties in the city. Police had even asked hoteliers to conduct parties at their own risk but in the meeting on Tuesday it permitted hotels, resorts and other venues to conduct New Year parties with strict regulations.
Police asked Hotels to ensure that those who brought drugs were not allowed inside for the celebration. In a meeting convened on Tuesday at Conference Hall at Traffic West Police Station, city police officials read out their plan and the hotel owners welcomed it. Police termed the move as an attempt to bring down crime rate, drug abuse cases and to ensure the safety of partygoers. City Police Commissioner M.P. Dinesh, Deputy Police Commissioner law and Order Arul B Krishna IPS attended the meeting and explained the plans of the police.
Police made it clear that all the parties in Kochi city should be organised in such a way that a family audience would be able to attend. Hotel authorities should keep in mind that the parties should be child friendly. Police asked hotels to install CCTV cameras and directed them to produce the recordings if needed. Police asked the authorities to ensure that liquor supply was based on the latest Abkari Act and directed hoteliers to erect boards explaining the safety measures.
DJs happy, families are able to come
DJs in Kochi city were a shocked lot when the Kochi city police introduced plans to ban DJs by rejecting applications of major hotels as part of the New Year celebrations. But soon,the city police chalked out plans to allow hotels to hold events, but with restrictions, and DJs welcomed the move. Though there are restrictions including a time limit of 12:30 am and ban on use of dim lights, the DJs feel that the parties would be a safer place for people from all walks of life. “I welcome the move introduced by the police. We are glad that the cops made efforts to make parties safer. Now families can come and party.” said DJ Savio, a popular figure in Kochi.
“Banning everything is not a solution. I have not seen people using drugs in New Year parties,” said RJ Ryan, adding "we are planning to make use of bright coloured lights". “The presence of police personnel is actually good. There may be one or two elements who will cause trouble so they will be cautious if police personnel are around,” RJ Ryan added. “There is a misconception that DJ parties are for drug addicts and we are persons who promote drug use. I am a teetotaler and so are many DJs and we are against the use of drugs,” Ryan said. “Many DJs in the city had invested big money, so a ban could have caused us big trouble,” a DJ said.
(With inputs from Arunchandra Bose)
