3 min readNew DelhiJun 26, 2013 01:14 AM IST
First published on: Jun 26, 2013 at 01:14 AM IST
Despite 25 police companies being deployed across the capital,hundreds of people took to the streets and stalled traffic after the Shab-e-barat prayers on Monday.
Major arterial roads across the capital witnessed massive traffic jams as young men in a “celebratory” mood performed motorcycle stunts. Commuters had a harrowing time reaching home,some stuck with the crowd till late in the night.
Many motorcycles were seen entering the wrong carriageways,with riders not wearing helmets,jumping traffic signals and triple riding,police said. However,only 250 challans were issued on Monday night. Police personnel on duty also gave in after a point and withdrew,leaving the barricades unattended.
Two personnel sustained serious injuries after they stopped the young men from performing stunts on Man Singh Road. “They began hurling stones at the personnel when they stopped them at the picket. While one constable sustained a serious head injury,the other received injuries on his face. Four from the crowd were arrested and a case was registered against them,” police said.
Police also had to resort to lathicharge near India Gate to disperse a bikers performing stunts in the area.
Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Dharmendra Kumar told Newsline that ever since India won the World Cup,India Gate had become the hub of celebration. Last night,even though the police barricaded all six roads leading to the C-Hexagon,people managed to barge in and reach India Gate. Delhi Police had also contacted the UP and Haryana Police and barricaded the borders from East and Northeast Delhi to stop people from entering Delhi.
“Many people from Meerut and Haryana come to Delhi as they are under the impression that people in Delhi have more fun during festivals. We had asked personnel to only let in the locals through the borders. Others were turned back,” an officer said.
Police also admitted that they were lenient during the festival as strict enforcement could have led to problems.
Traffic police focussed more on diverting and managing traffic,as opposed to issuing challans to violators.
Police are now planning to take preventive measures and ensure better planning to manage such a situation.
“We need to identify the areas and barricade points to restrict entry. We are also asking people to maintain law and order. However,we will have to plan to avoid such a chaotic situation in the future,” the police officer said.
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