Hyderabad: Issuing a New Year police warning, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Tuesday said there would be no leniency if people violated rules under the guise of New Year celebrations and created disturbances on city roads.
Addressing officers through a video conference at the Telangana Integrated Command and Control Centre in Banjara Hills, Sajjanar reviewed security arrangements for Christmas, Vaikuntha Ekadashi and New Year festivities. He directed officials to ensure foolproof bandobast to prevent any untoward incidents across the city.
Accordingly, the Commissioner instructed deployment of additional police personnel at hotspots and areas with a history of crime. He also asked officers to keep continuous surveillance on the movement of habitual offenders. Moreover, he stressed that visible policing would act as a deterrent during peak celebration hours.
V.C. Sajjanar announced that special enforcement drives against drunk driving would begin from Wednesday and continue until New Year Day. He said police would conduct drunk-and-drive checks at 100 locations across Hyderabad on the night of December 31. For this purpose, seven additional platoons would be pressed into service.
New Year police warning includes drunk driving checks and venue restrictions
Elaborating further, New Year police warning covered strict penalties for drunk driving. Sajjanar said offenders would face vehicle seizure, a fine of ₹10,000 and up to six months of imprisonment. In addition, authorities could permanently cancel driving licences in serious cases.
He advised partygoers to plan responsibly by arranging designated drivers or using cab services. At the same time, he warned that rash driving, street racing, wheeling and other dangerous acts would invite immediate and severe action.
The Commissioner clarified that New Year celebrations at pubs, three-star and higher-category hotels would be permitted only until 1 am on December 31. He also said police would strictly enforce noise pollution norms. Therefore, officials would seize sound systems if decibel limits were crossed.
V.C. Sajjanar cautioned that organisers would bear full responsibility if drug use or obscene performances took place at events. He warned that police would cancel licences and register criminal cases against establishments found violating the law.
Highlighting women’s safety, the Commissioner said special measures were in place during celebrations. Plainclothes She Teams would monitor crowded areas, party venues and major junctions. He added that police would immediately arrest anyone behaving indecently towards women.
Concluding his address, V.C. Sajjanar urged citizens to respect the law and welcome 2026 safely. He said New Year celebrations should leave pleasant memories, not tragic experiences.
The video conference was attended by Additional CP (Crimes) M. Srinivasulu, IPS, several DCPs from different divisions, and other senior police officials.
