Coimbatore, Jan 1
Continuing with their novel idea, the Coimbatore City Police have not refrained from using their regular tactic of intimidation, but used soft power to win over the youth, who were found biking and roaming around in an inebriated condition all over the city on New Years’ eve.
Ironically, youth who were found to be roaming about in their two-wheelers were caught by the police and were treated nicely. Instead of using the baton or filing a case, the drunk youth were taken to shamianas which were pitched in as many as 22 places in the city to accommodate them.
The revelers were not only treated nicely but also were visually treated with cultural awareness programmes at these shamianas. A cake cutting ceremony was also held in many of these places and sweets distributed to youth, making the new year celebrations a complete one in all respects.
“We are speaking as a friend, and not as a police personnel,” said the lady cops who were posted in these shamianas. The youth were sent home after they became `sober’ in the course of few hours.
This idea was originally the brainchild of S.Saravanan, former Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic wing) in the city and it caught the imagination of the people in 2017 New year itself.
City Police Commissioner, K. Periaiah along with senior officials from the department visited the special camps set for people driving in inebriated state. He also cut cakes in each of such camps and advised the youth to stay safe and avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol.
However this year around, the city police have taken it to a new level and made the occasion memorable by adding entertainment component and cake cutting ceremony to the whole episode.
The youngsters were advised not to resort to drunk driving again even as they are sent home after the celebrations organized by the police.
The Police, despite being the law implementing agency indeed face a tough task during New Year Celebrations every year. As roads get clogged during new year's eve as public especially youngsters could go overboard sometimes. But how they have been handling the scenario here for the last two years has certainly brought about a huge smile on people’s faces.