How did stunts by bikers promote

The IG,who claims to have been outstation till Sunday,has shot off an official communication to the three senior police officers to explain within three days how the Chandigarh Police

allowed dangerous stunts in public area while promoting

road safety. The letter sent by Upadhyaya to the three officers reads,“A car rally was organised by Chandigarh Police

on August 11 to spread the message of road safety and

safety of women among the general public. In today’s newspaper,I have seen a number of articles carrying

photographs wherein motorcyclists were seen indulging

in stunts. I fail to understand what kind of

message we wanted to propagate by allowing these

stunts in our official programme.” “It has not only defeated

the very purpose of the programme,but has also given

a wrong impression of the Chandigarh Police,especially

when senior officials were present. Motorcycle

stunt in given public area is not only dangerous but illegal

also under the Motor Vehicle Act. I would like to

have your comments on the issue within three days on

why these activities were allowed by the Chandigarh

Police during the car rally on August 11,” the letter adds.

At a press conference on August 10,when asked why

stunts would be shown when the theme of the programme

was road safety,SSP Naunihal Singh had said,“We want

to tell the general public that such stunts are performed by trained professionals with the right safety gear and protection.

Hence,the general public should not imitate and indulge in such activities without proper training.”

The car and bike rally — comprising 93 super-bikes,

rally motorcycles,and 163 super-cars,luxury cars and rally cars — showcased stunts by trained professionals.

The rally drew criticism as many people felt that it

would inspire youngsters to perform such dangerous

stunts.

The rally started from the parking lot opposite the

Government Museum and Art Gallery in Sector 10,

went around Matka Chowk and reached the Panjab University

campus. The rally then moved on the inner

roads of Sectors 11 and 10,after which it came to Madhya

Marg and concluded at Elante Mall. This was followed

by a small skit presented by Infosys Rangmanch.

The skit focused on the safety of women,and encouraged

them to fight sexual harassment. The rally ended with a pledge taken by

visitors to ensure a safe city,safe driving,safety of

women and respect for law in all areas.