Hooligans on wheels rule city roads on Gurpurab eve

Delhi Police remained a dumb spectator when several bikers flouting traffic norms and performing dangerous stunts challenged them during Gurpurab on Monday night.

They took unprepared policemen by surprise and drove rashly for over four hours, especially on roads connecting to India Gate.

They even pelted stones at a police station when they found the roads blocked.
Despite Delhi Police being aware of such rowdyism for the last few years during festivals, they fail to control them.

A police officer said the violaters performed these stunts mainly on Parliament Street, near Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.

“Only few bikers performed at India Gate,” said the officer. Finding various roads blocked, these two-wheeler riders pelted stones at Parliament Street police station and fled.
Motorcyclists in large numbers challenged policemen who could not impound a single bike or fine any biker.

“A case of rioting has been registered against these bikers with Parliament Street police station,” said the officer. Many two-wheeler riders were even spotted without helmets.
Police are checking closed-circuit television footage to identify the bikers so that they can take action against them. “We also asked the media to provide video footage,” said the officer.

He said youths often take advantage of the festive seasons to drive rashly. It causes threats to their lives and endangers people on the roads and on other vehicles.

“Luckily, no mishap has been reported due to these bikers from any part of the city. We have made necessary arrangements for tonight and will not allow this act to happen once again,” a police officer said on Tuesday, adding around 500 policemen have been deputed on the streets.

Around two months ago, chaos reigned on roads near India Gate and surrounding areas when thousands of motorcyclists drove dangerously in groups after Shab-e-Barat prayers.