Ahmedabad Traffic Blockade: FIR Filed Against 150+ Protesters Over Median Gap Issue
In a significant development in Ahmedabad, authorities have taken legal action following a disruptive protest that caused major traffic chaos in the Chandkheda area. A formal complaint was registered on Monday in connection with the late Saturday night demonstration by local residents near Hotel Hillock, which led to extensive traffic disruptions on a key arterial road.
Protest Details and Police Response
The incident unfolded on S P Ring Road in Chandkheda, where approximately 150 people gathered to demand the reopening of a barricaded gap in the road median. According to Chandkheda police, they received information around 10:40 PM about a crowd assembling on the stretch between Vaishnodevi Circle and Zundal Circle.
When police teams arrived at the location, they found nearly 150 individuals either sitting or standing on the main roadway. The protesters were displaying banners, raising slogans, and actively stopping vehicles, which resulted in severe traffic congestion and long jams that affected commuters for an extended period.
Organizational Aspects and Allegations
Investigators revealed that the protest was allegedly organized through a WhatsApp group named 'Neighbours of New Tragad', which included members from various nearby housing societies. Police officials claimed that messages circulated within this group urged residents to block the road until the median cut was reopened.
Some of these messages also allegedly suggested damaging the barricades and contacting media outlets to amplify their demands, according to police statements included in the complaint.
Legal Action and Charges
The Chandkheda police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against seven identified persons and approximately 150 other individuals under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The charges include:
- Unlawful assembly
- Obstructing a public road
- Damaging public property
This legal action underscores the authorities' stance against disruptions to public order and infrastructure, particularly when such activities impede essential traffic flow on important city roads.
Context and Implications
The protest highlights ongoing tensions between residents and urban planning authorities regarding road infrastructure modifications. The barricaded median gap, which protesters demanded be reopened, appears to have become a focal point for community frustration, though specific reasons for the closure were not detailed in the initial complaint.
This incident serves as a reminder of how localized grievances can escalate into significant public order situations, requiring police intervention and subsequent legal proceedings to address both the immediate disruption and underlying community concerns.
