No To Khatti: Commissionerate Police Launches Special Drive To Check Drinking At Public Places

Ahead of the crucial Urban Local Body (ULB) elections, the Commissionerate Police has launched a massive crackdown against drinking alcohol in public places in Bhubaneswar.

The Commisisonerate Police has undertaken a special drive against those who drink in public places, especially near eateries, dhabas and outside liquor vends. The drive was carried out in different parts of Bhubaneswar in the past 48 hours, senior police officials said on Sunday.

Around 200 people were fined Rs 500 each for drinking alcohol at public places in various parts of the city. Apart from drinking at public places, the Commissionerate Police has also decided to act tough on the mischief mongers especially various hangout zones or ‘khatti’.

As per initial reports, fines were slapped on 92 persons while temporary khattis at 12 places have been razed by the police teams at different locations in the city.

Additional DCP, Prakash Chandra Pal said, “We have intensified election-related patrolling in the city. We have started a drive to put a check on congregations at various hang-out zones (khatti) where youngsters assemble during evening hours. Our focus is to check anti-social activities and consuming alcohol at public places.”

Pal further appeal people not to congregate unnecessary till the model code of conduct is in force. “There is no restriction near eateries. But, we are targeting the places which have been identified as spots where criminals and other anti-social elements assembly. Our drive will continue in coming days,” he added.