Nagpur: The city police are stepping up their surveillance to keep women and young girls safe on Valentine’s Day. The cyber squad, led by DCP Lohit Matani, is closely watching social media platforms to curb illegal parties on Valentine’s Day, to be celebrated on Saturday.“We are looking for posts that invite young people to secret parties, offering free alcohol, food, or drugs. These events and rave parties often turn into blackmail traps. Such gatherings are illegal, and the police will not allow them,” said Matani.The cyber cops are looking for any suspicious posts promising “wild nights”, or invites to private farmhouses, resorts, and lodges on the city’s outskirts. “If an event looks shady or lacks proper permission, it gets reported right away,” said Matani.A senior police official clarified that cops are not indulging in moral policing but are trying to help young women and girls avoid being trapped or blackmailed after being filmed at such parties on Valentine’s Day. “We saw cases last year where young people were lured with free drinks and then trapped in blackmail,” he said. “Minors were filmed without their consent, and criminals used those videos to demand money. This time, we are acting before such incidents happen.”Police officials would also be checking if hotels hosting Valentine’s Day parties have mandatory permits. “Patrol teams will check IDs and crack down on venues serving liquor flows without licenses. Hotels and resorts advertising ‘special couples’ event’ without proper permits are on the watch list,” said a top cop.Cyber cops are using AI tools to scan profiles quickly and match venues with past cases. Nagpur city police’s all-women Damini squads would also be activated. Nagpur Police want everyone to enjoy Valentine’s Day safely, said an official. “Celebrate love, but stay away from untoward incidents,” said a top cop.
