India, Dec. 29 -- With New Year celebrations expected to draw unprecedented crowds, the Karnataka government has rolled out an extensive security and crowd-management plan across Bengaluru, deploying close to 20,000 police personnel to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.

Home Minister G Parameshwara announced the measures on Sunday after presiding over a high-level security review at the office of the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner.

Addressing the media, Dr Parameshwara said the city is likely to witness a significant surge in celebratory gatherings this year, with officials estimating that over 10 lakh people may take part in New Year events, well above last year's turnout of more than eight lakh, said a repo...