South Delhi colony feels ‘clubbed’ by outsiders

Residents say the problem started when the Chirag Club allowed non-residents to become members. “One month ago,when some South Delhi clubs shut shop,the Chirag Club decided to allow non-residents to become members. Since then,we have had no peace whatsoever. Outsiders start pouring into the society from 3 in the afternoon and sit at the club. That would have been fine,but then they take drink driving and dangerous driving as their right,” says the very agitated Veena Anand,who has been a resident of Chirag Enclave for 35 years now. “Never before,” she emphasises,“have we had to face such an ugly and scary situation in our peaceful society before.”

Anand and all other residents say their apprehension turned into near-horror at what happened on the night of June 10. They said Ashok Kharbanga,one of the ‘new’ members of the club,came out of the club and drove his car at a high speed; the victim was the community dog. Residents said as much as the tragedy,what frightened them was the manner the car was driven. “Who drives a car at high speed inside a colony,then smashes into a dog who was sleeping by the side of the road,drags him for 200 metres and then,reverses and runs over his neck?” asks an eyewitness and a resident. “It was absolutely horrific,” Anand says.

When contacted,Kharbanga said,“I was having dinner at the club and left at around 11 pm. A dog was sleeping under the passenger side tyre of my car and I did not realise that after it was too late. I have two pet dogs,and am a dog-loving person and was very upset because of the incident.”

But residents are not taking any of this as a guarantee. The club administration refused to talk to Newsline ,asking that any question be submitted in writing following which they will decide whether to give a response. “We had a meeting on Sunday regarding the issue,but I am not sure what was decided in the meeting,” said Rajesh Kumar,an administrator at the club.

The club is under pressure from the residents. “We have filed a complaint with the club,and I have informed the guards that cars of non-residents will no longer be allowed into the premises. Look at other clubs in the city,like the Golf Club and the Gymkhana club. Even in those clubs,members have to park and then walk quite a distance to reach the club. Why can’t they do the same here?” said P S Chahal,president of the Chirag Enclave Residents’ Welfare Association.

He fondly remembers the days before some non-resident club members’ reckless driving habits changed the colony’s peaceful nights. “I have personally ensured that walkways and a high mast light were added in the park. Young couples,little children,everyone would take walks in the colony late at night,without any fear.”

Chirag residents say they are hoping to get back that peace and quiet.