Patna, Dec. 31: Police have tightened security arrangements for the New Year’s day in the state capital to prevent any untoward incident.

Around 50 constables, led by Gandhi Maidan police station house officer Alok Kumar have been deployed at the city centre, near JP Golambar to check vehicles. All vehicles, especially motorbikes, are being checked.

“We have been instructed by our seniors to check all vehicles passing through the city centre. We shall be checking driving licences. We shall also be checking for arms, contraband substances and illegal liquor. This is being done to prevent anti-social elements from spoiling the celebration,” said Gandhi Maidan station house officer Alok Kumar.

The car of BJP state president C.P. Thakur was also checked.

“Motorist should not drive after drinking. Our officers have been placed at all the thoroughfares to check drunken driving,” said senior superintendent of police B.S. Meena.

Officers, many of them in plainclothes, have been deployed at Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, near Bankipore Club, New Patna Club, Golf Club, Maurya Hotel, Chanakya Hotel and Patliputra Hotel, as these places draw large crowds.

Meena added those violating traffic rules would be fined. They could also have their licence cancelled or even face a jail sentence.

More than 50 motorists were caught without license at Gandhi Maidan roundabout.

Saurabh Kumar, a resident of Jagdev Path, said: “I forgot my licence at home. I did not realise police would be checking. I guess, I have to pay the fine now.”

Sabzibagh resident Rohan Kumar, who was stopped for riding a bike without a licence, said: “It is good that police are checking the vehicles. But this is also creating trouble for people on road.”

A source said traffic blockades at various places in the city also caused traffic snarls. At some places bikers had to be stopped by force, as they did not stop when cops asked them to.

Police have requested residents of the capital to maintain law and order while indulging in celebrations.