Bengaluru says no to scary masks and whistling during New Year's Eve celebrations

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) has announced that a fine of Rs 500 will be imposed on individuals who harass women. (Representational image)

Wearing scary masks and whistling loudly in public areas are banned during the New Year's Eve celebrations this year, the Bengaluru Police announced on Tuesday. About eight lakh people are expected to throng the streets in the city for New Year celebrations. Therefore, strict security measures have been put into place by the government and the police. Over 2,000 police personnel are deployed at MG Road which witnesses a footfall of more than a lakh people every year close to midnight.

Security has also been beefed up in Koramangala with more than 1,000 additional personnel. The area along with others such as Brigade Road, Church Street, Indiranagar, and HSR Layout have been decked up with lights to usher in the new year.

“Certain youngsters use these kinds of whistles, which create very harsh, loud, and shrill noises that irritate and cause nuisance to people who are out with children and their families. That is why whistles are banned," Bengaluru police Commissioner B Dayananda said.

Additional Commissioner of Police Sathish Kumar told the media that the police have seen trouble-mongers use masquerade masks to hide their identity while teasing women and children. “We want people to have fun ringing in the year with all gaiety, but not at the cost of a person’s safety or by causing discomfort. Last year, we confiscated these masks and party whistles that were being misused. This year, we have banned them completely," News18 quoted him as saying.

The Bengaluru police also announced that a mini control room has been set up to monitor CCTV footage from 150 cameras installed across areas of interest in the city. Moreover, all flyovers will remain closed on New Year's Eve, while metro and bus services from MG Road will run till 2 am.

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) has announced that a fine of Rs 500 will be imposed on individuals who harass women, and such offenders will be handed over to the police. Security personnel will be deployed in every metro coach to ensure passenger safety.