On Monday night, police from the Shock Battalion arrested 61 members of an armed group of 'bate-bolas' on Avenida Brasil while they were en route to the Complex of Penha, a neighborhood in North Zone Rio de Janeiro. The group was intercepted after passengers on a bus were reported to be causing disturbances. Following tactical monitoring, police ordered the group to stop in the Caju area for inspection.

Upon examining the group, officers found two pistols, two revolvers, ammunition, and drugs among the individuals. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of armed violence in the Rio de Janeiro area, particularly related to groups that traditionally participate in the city's carnival celebrations. This specific incident has been documented in the 21st Police Station in Bonsucesso, where the case was officially registered.

The 'bate-bolas' serve as symbolic figures during the street carnival, often dressed in colorful costumes and masks. However, incidents like this illustrate the transformation of cultural expressions into contexts of violence and illegal activities. The police intervention on a night known for revelry underscores the heightened vigilance required to manage security in a city grappling with various crime issues, as it strives to maintain order amidst its vibrant cultural festivities.