As the city prepares to ring in 2026, the Bengaluru City Police have issued a stern warning: there is no permission for rave parties under the pretext of New Year celebrations. Highlighting a "zero-tolerance" policy toward narcotics, authorities have launched a massive crackdown to ensure that the "Silicon Valley of India" remains safe and drug-free during the festive week.
Crackdown on Narcotics and Rave Parties
Police Commissioner B. Dayananda and senior officials have instructed all jurisdictional officers to maintain a high alert against the organized sale and consumption of banned substances. Unlike previous years, the police are shifting focus from just consumers to the entire supply chain.
Key enforcement measures include:
- Consumer-to-Peddler Tracing: Police will use "reverse investigation" to track down dealers by questioning individuals found in possession of drugs.
- Random Testing: Mobile units equipped with drug-detection kits will conduct on-the-spot tests. Suspicious individuals may be subjected to blood tests under the supervision of an ACP-rank officer.
- Border Vigilance: Checkposts at city entry points have been reinforced to prevent the smuggling of synthetic drugs like MDMA and "Hydro Ganja" from neighboring states.
Strict Guidelines for Pubs and Hotels
To prevent commercial spaces from becoming hubs for illegal activities, the BMRCL and city police have mandated several requirements for venue owners:
- Mandatory Signage: All establishments must prominently display "NO SMOKING / NO DRUGS" boards.
- CCTV Surveillance: Venues must have 360-degree CCTV coverage, with footage preserved for at least 30 days. Road-facing cameras are encouraged to be linked to the Police Command Centre.
- Venue Restrictions: Parties are strictly prohibited in basements, parking lots, and open terraces to ensure fire safety and prevent clandestine activities.
- Employee Verification: All security personnel and bouncers must be hired through PSARA-registered agencies and must undergo police verification.
"The safety of citizens, especially women and children, is our priority. While we want everyone to enjoy the New Year, we will not tolerate any activity that involves illegal substances or endangers public order," a senior police official stated.
Technological Surveillance: Drones and AI
For the first time, the police will deploy high-resolution drones over high-footfall areas like MG Road, Brigade Road, and Indiranagar. These drones are equipped with night-vision capabilities to monitor large crowds and detect any suspicious gatherings in secluded spots or open fields on the city's outskirts.
Safety First: Fire and Sound Norms
In the wake of recent safety incidents, the fire department has made it mandatory for all party venues to obtain a fresh Fire Safety Clearance. Additionally, loudspeakers must adhere to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, with a strict cutoff time for outdoor music.
