In a significant crackdown on a dangerous and disruptive trend, the Raipur police have taken stern action over the past eleven months against individuals turning public roads into venues for birthday celebrations and stunt performances. This drive has resulted in 66 arrests across 11 separate cases, with authorities initiating proceedings to suspend the driving licences of 30 offenders.
Birthday Bashes Bring Traffic to a Halt
Police officials reported that a majority of the cases, eight in total, were filed against groups who brazenly blocked busy thoroughfares to cut cakes and celebrate birthdays. These incidents frequently brought vehicular movement to a complete standstill, causing major inconvenience. 46 people were arrested in connection with these road-blocking parties, and 11 vehicles, including cars and two-wheelers used during the celebrations, were seized by the authorities.
Thrill-Seeking Stunts Endanger Public Safety
In three other distinct cases, the police targeted individuals performing reckless, high-speed vehicle stunts on public roads. These acts posed a severe and direct threat to the safety of other commuters. Action in these instances led to the arrest of 20 people and the confiscation of seven cars and one Bullet motorcycle.
Social Media Trends and Judicial Ire
The problem has been significantly amplified by social media trends, where participants seek viral fame. Highlighting this, the Atal Nagar traffic police recently penalised 34 vehicle owners who congregated on roads specifically to shoot video reels featuring dangerous manoeuvres. Fines totalling Rs 1.59 lakh were collected, and officials recommended the suspension of 17 driving licences.
The issue has also drawn sharp and serious criticism from the Chhattisgarh High Court. The court expressed grave concern over the rising incidents of birthday celebrations and stunts on roads and highways, terming them a form of "road hooliganism" and a blatant violation of traffic rules. Taking suo motu cognisance of several such incidents on national highways, the court noted these acts endanger lives and disrupt the daily movement of ordinary citizens.
In particularly strong remarks, the High Court observed that such violations are often committed by "affluent people" who openly flout traffic laws. It criticised the state administration for what it described as a "helpless and ineffective" response to the problem. In earlier hearings, the court had directed the chief secretary to file a personal affidavit explaining the persistence of these incidents despite clear court orders.
Warning of possible contempt proceedings, the High Court reiterated that public roads are meant for commuting, not for private celebrations or thrill-seeking. It has now called for strict action against violators, regardless of their social or economic status, and stressed the need for stronger enforcement and public awareness to end these unsafe and disruptive practices.
