Cops in civvies to reign in firing, boozing in public places

PK Jaiswar
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, April 20

Concerned over repeated firing instances in the city, the police have decided to reign in boozing in public places and also those carrying weapons to hotels and other eatery joints.

Even after the enforcement of model of code of conduct following which the police asked the weapons holders to deposit the same with police stations or gun houses, incidents of firing continue to reported every now and then.

According to the police, weapons used in majority of the cases are illegal, but a need is being felt to curtail the culture of carrying weapons. Police authorities said that it had been observed that youth and people from rural belt came to the city for night out and carry firearms. Many a times they are found involved in firing.

Mukhwinder Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigations), said policemen in civvies had been deputed outside several eatery joints, especially those serving non-vegetarian food where people can be seen drinking in their vehicles, which is illegal.

“Sometimes a minor argument during drinks turns violent and firing takes place subsequently, thereby creating a law and order problem. Those involved in such cases will be taken to task,” the DCP said.

He said carrying weapon to hotels and restaurants was also restricted. “Recently, during a surprise checking at a reputed hotel in Ranjit Avenue, we found that there was hardly any restriction on carrying weapons while the door-frame metal detectors installed at the entrance were merely an eyewash. I reprimanded the staff and asked the hotel management to rectify this. Stern action will be taken against such hotels if found negligent,” he added.