7 Killed, 150 Injured During New Year's Eve Celebrations

Despite arrangements by the city police, seven persons were killed and more than 150 persons reportedly in­jured during New Year’s eve celebrations.

- R. Sivaraman

Huge crowds at the Mari­na and Elliot’s beach wel­comed the New Year, ex­ changing high­decibel greetings and bursting crack­ ers. The police had made elaborate arrangements, in­cluding diversions, to regu­late traffic and ensure smooth movement of public vehicles, but the spillover of people to the streets led to jams across the city.

Personnel deployed

Security was beefed up from 8 p.m. on Monday in the city, with the deployment of over 15,000 police personnel. Vehicle checkpoints were set up at 368 places in the ci­ty.

All flyovers were barricad­ed to prevent revellers from indulging in bike races on New Year’s eve. Anti­bike racing committees were formed to nab people violat­ ing the rules.