There were 56 nakas in the city to maintain law and order. In addition, there were 21 traffic nakas to check drunken driving and other traffic violations. A total of 112 challans were issued for traffic rule violations on New Year’s eve. While 88 persons were challaned for drunken driving in 2012, 109 were challaned for the same in 2011. Out of all the challans issued for drunken driving, 33 were issued to drives of the cars with a registration number of Punjab, 26 to those registered with Chandigarh, 15 to Haryana numbers and 14 to other states.
In addition, 24 challans for miscellaneous offences were issued. These included nine challans for using high beam, four for riding a two-wheeler without a helmet, seven for driving without wearing a seatbelt, three for having black film and one for triple riding. As many as 88 vehicles were impounded for violating the traffic rules.
Police personnel were also deployed in parking places to avoid theft of motor vehicles. “Though people came out on streets at midnight, they did not create any problem. It was for 10 minutes, then every one went back,” said a constable who was on night duty.
In addition, the Police Control Room (PCR) received 2008 calls from 8 pm to 2 am on the emergency number 100. Reacting to the calls, 188 PCR vehicles were dispatched for help. In the year 2011, 1,341 calls were received, and PCR vehicles were dispatched for 129 calls.
Also, the excise department of Chandigarh Administration conducted surprise checks at different hotels, restaurants and pubs in Sector 26, IT park and Industrial area. Some restaurants were found to be violating the norms of the Excise Act. The surprise checks started about 10 pm and went on till half past midnight.
The Deputy Commissioner along with others of the excise department conducted surprise checks at night at nine joints and at Kava in Sector 26. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shayin said, “The excise permission was granted for 80 passes whereas the management had also issued an equal number of complimentary passes. The case is being looked into and penalty will be imposed as per rules.”