Areekode police draw flak on social media for New Year special curbs

Kozhikode:  Areekode police have been facing criticism on social media for its New Year special curbs on various establishments under its command. 

The purported notice carrying a list of directives went viral on social media. The circular, signed by the Station House Officer (SHO), mandates early closures for hotels, resorts, turf grounds, and boats within the station's limits. 

Specifically, the notice dictates that hotels and bars must close by 8 p.m., forbids DJs at resort events on New Year's Eve, and prohibits campfires. Furthermore, new visitors are not permitted after 8 p.m., and turf grounds must shut down precisely at that time. Additionally, the notice suggests that boat services and cracker shops close by 5 p.m. Establishment owners have been forewarned about stringent monitoring on Sunday, aiming for a peaceful New Year's transition. 

The notice holds shop owners accountable for any issues arising from non-compliance with the stated instructions, citing the potential application of Section 149 of the CrPC, a section empowering the police to prevent cognizable offenses. 

Some netizens argue that invoking Section 149 of the CrPC to enforce New Year's Eve restrictions exceeds the station's jurisdiction. 

Meanwhile, police authorities clarified that the specified timing in the notice was a typographical error. When contacted by Mathrubhumi.com, the Areekode police maintained that monitoring would begin after 10 p.m.