Police forces across Gujarat's major urban centres have launched a massive security and surveillance operation ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations, issuing a blunt warning to potential revellers: abide by the law or risk beginning 2026 in a police lock-up.
Zero Tolerance for Lawbreakers
With December 31 approaching, police commissioners in cities like Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot have outlined extensive plans to ensure public order. The message is unified and stern – there will be zero tolerance for offences including drunken driving, drug consumption, harassment of women, and dangerous stunts.
In a clear directive, Surat City Commissioner of Police Anupamsinh Gahlaut stated that while the police are there to facilitate celebrations, their support is conditional on lawful behaviour. "The Surat police are with you, so far as you follow the law," he said, warning against acts that trouble women or other revellers. He specifically cautioned against overspeeding, teasing women, or performing stunts like cutting cakes with swords.
Massive Deployment of Tech and Personnel
The police preparedness involves a significant deployment of both human resources and technology. In Surat alone, 5,000 police personnel have been deployed with 45 checkpoints established across the city. The force is equipped with 380 alcohol detectors (including 180 baton-based devices for distant testing), 200 breath analysers, and anti-narcotics kits.
Surat police will also enhance surveillance by installing additional solar-based and wireless cameras at "blind spots" for live monitoring through the control room, supplementing the existing network and 900 body-worn cameras issued to personnel.
In Vadodara, the scale is similarly impressive. Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar detailed the use of 8,000 CCTV cameras, 750 body-worn cameras, and eight drone cameras to maintain a watch "from the ground, the sky and even the shoulder of the officers." The city will deploy over 2,000 police personnel, along with 400 more for traffic management and 700 home guards.
Strict Anti-Drug Stance for the Eve
A key focus across all cities is the crackdown on narcotics. Commissioner Gahlaut made a critical distinction in policy for New Year's Eve. While the Surat Police have rehabilitation initiatives for drug users on other days, December 31 will be an exception. Anyone found with traces of intoxicants in their body samples will face a formal FIR (First Information Report). "On December 31, if anyone is found having consumed drugs, we will lodge cases against them," he asserted.
Vadodara police are also targeting drug peddling and bootlegging, with a specific crackdown on two-wheeler delivery services suspected of transporting illegal liquor to meet heightened demand.
Coordinated Efforts Across Major Cities
The heightened vigil is a coordinated effort across Gujarat's four major cities:
- Ahmedabad: DCP (Crime) Ajit Rajian confirmed that all teams will be on the ground conducting drug and liquor tests, supported by drone surveillance at public gatherings. Mahila police in plainclothes will be deployed specifically to prevent harassment of women and nab harassers ("romeos").
- Rajkot: DCP (Crime) Jagdish Bangarwa stated that vehicle checking has already begun with drug test kits deployed. SHE teams will patrol the city. Furthermore, the Special Branch has issued a notification banning the bursting of crackers and creating a nuisance from 12 am on December 30, 2025, to 11:59 pm on January 1, 2026.
The underlying message from all police commissioners is an appeal for responsible celebration. As Commissioner Gahlaut summarised, "We request people to celebrate by respecting the rule of law. If you break the sanctity of the law in place, it is certain that you will begin 2026 in a police lock-up. Enjoy and coordinate with the police." The massive bandobast (arrangement) is firmly in place to ensure that the transition from 2025 to 2026 remains peaceful and secure for all citizens.
