Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 31 Mar: In what is being described by many as a face saving exercise in the wake of the huge embarrassment over the killing of a retired army officer in cross firing yesterday, Doon Police initiated an intensive overnight crackdown, titled ‘Operation Night Watch’ late last night, targeting the clubs, the bars and the restaurants operating beyond permissible hours.
This rigorous enforcement follows a horrific incident yesterday morning when a dispute over a club bill at Gen Z Club escalated into a high-speed chase and indiscriminate firing on Mussoorie Road. During the altercation, a stray bullet struck Mukesh Kumar Joshi, a retired Brigadier who was on his habitual morning walk. Although his companions rushed him to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries, sparking public outrage and severe criticism of the police’s failure to regulate late-night establishments.
Under the leadership of SSP Pramendra Dobal, several police teams conducted coordinated raids across the city to restore order. During the operation, cases were registered under Sections 223 and 270 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the operators of Pyramid Bar and Nukkad Bar and Restaurant for serving alcohol past the deadline. Furthermore, the police arrested 11 persons for drunk-driving and impounded their vehicles, while three suspicious persons were taken into custody for questioning.
Senior officials, including the SP City and SP Traffic, personally monitored the checking drive to ensure strict compliance with government timings.
While the police have arrested four individuals who were travelling in the Fortuner car involved in the initial dispute, the four occupants of the Scorpio who allegedly opened fire remain at large. SSP Dobal has issued stern directives to all station in-charges to maintain a constant vigil against hooliganism and to take immediate punitive action against any establishment violating licensing conditions. This renewed focus on nocturnal policing aims to reclaim the safety of Dehradun, which has recently been shaken by a surge in drugs and violent crime, ensuring that such tragic collateral loss of life is not repeated. The critics however claim that the police action regarding the raids as a face saving exercise which may fizzle out after a while.
