"We have requested restaurants owners not to keep their establishments open after 10pm. The situation in the Hills is different from that of the plains where things start buzzing from late in the evening," said LT Bhutia, inspector in-charge of Darjeeling sadar police station.
The officer reasoned that during festivities, rowdy youths have the tendency to create trouble in an inebriated state. "Since tourists would be visiting the Hills during Durga Puja, we want to ensure that such incidents don't occur and sour the occasion," Bhutia said. Darjeeling police have already held a couple of meetings with hoteliers, restaurant owners and travel agents and raids are being conducted in illegal bars and restaurants.
Another factor that the police are wary of is the increased cases of robbery during the Pujas. "From past experience, we are aware robbers are already on the prowl. We appeal to the citizens to be cautious and careful during the festival," said the officer in-charge. He pointed out that robbers could target vulnerable citizens in banks and isolated places.
In fact, police are on a vigil and suspect that a woman in her early thirties is already at work. "There is a lady around 33-34 years old who we suspect is one of the gang members. We will be deploying additional policemen in plain clothes before and during the Puja," said Bhutia.
Police have decided to increase its manpower to put brakes on untoward incidents. Citizens have also been asked to call the helpline numbers 9775943303 and 9733173133 to seek assistance.
TOI
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