Lalbazar to deploy 2,000 cops on Christmas; 8-10 Dy Commissioners will be on Park Street duty

Kolkata Police has significantly fortified its security arrangements for the upcoming Christmas and New Year festivities. Recognizing the massive footfall expected at central landmarks, the city's law enforcement has decided to deploy a specialized force of approximately 2,000 personnel.

The iconic Park Street, which serves as the heart of Kolkata's year-end celebrations, will be under the strictest vigil. To manage the dense crowds, the area will be monitored by 8 to 10 officers of Deputy Commissioner rank and over 25 Assistant Commissioners of Police. The deployment also includes 27 Inspectors and 250 Sub-Inspectors who will be on the ground to handle crowd control and traffic management. Five of the city’s fifteen newly installed watchtowers will be located specifically on Park Street to provide a clear vantage point for surveillance.

Technological measures such as drone monitoring and the installation of over 50 high-definition CCTVs will be integrated into the security grid. For the safety of women, the Kolkata Police’s specialized 'Winners Team' will be patrolling high-footfall zones in plain clothes and uniform. Additionally, 40 police assistance booths, Quick Reaction Teams (Q.R.T.), and Heavy Radio Flying Squads (H.R.F.S.) will be strategically placed to address any emergencies or suspicious activities instantly.

Lalbazar headquarters will serve as the central nerve center, coordinating all real-time intelligence and field reports. Special checks for drunk driving and reckless behavior will be conducted across 96 checkpoints in the city.