In a dramatic turn of events, advocates in Ajmer staged a forceful protest on Friday, manhandling a public works department (PWD) official and blocking the busy Jaipur Road for over two hours. The agitation was centered on their long-standing demand for the installation of speed breakers to ensure safe crossing for lawyers, clients, and court staff.
Road Blockade and Core Demand
The protest erupted from a persistent safety concern. Lawyers explained that their chambers and sitting arrangements are located in an old building, while the new court building is situated directly across the road. This necessitates multiple crossings of the heavily trafficked Jaipur Road every day. "Every day we have to cross the road many times and there is heavy traffic," stated one advocate. Frustrated by the lack of response to their pleas for speed breakers, the advocates decided to escalate their protest. "But no one was hearing, and therefore we sat on the road," said another protester.
Escalation and Official Assault
The protest quickly intensified, leading to a complete halt of work in the court premises. A large group of advocates moved to block Jaipur Road, causing significant traffic disruption. In response, the district police, led by Additional SP (City) Himanshu Jangid, swiftly diverted traffic from Civil Lines to Police Lines to maintain some flow for vehicles entering and exiting Ajmer. Heavy police forces were deployed to manage the situation.
Senior PWD officials were called to the site to address the protesters. While they assured the agitating lawyers that their demand for speed breakers would be met, the tension did not subside. At that moment, angry advocates charged at one PWD official and manhandled him. According to a source, the official attempted to flee but was chased by the advocates. Police personnel eventually intervened, shielding the official and ensuring his safety.
Resolution and Aftermath
Following discussions between the police and the bar association, the road blockade was finally lifted. Additional SP Himanshu Jangid confirmed, "We talked to the bar association and assured them of their demand, and later the jam was removed, and traffic on Jaipur Road went smoothly." Despite the physical altercation, the Civil Lines police station reported that no First Information Report (FIR) was registered as the concerned official did not file a formal complaint about the beating or manhandling.
The incident highlights the growing public frustration over infrastructure and safety issues, even among professional communities, and the extreme measures sometimes resorted to when grievances are perceived to be ignored.
