Bhopal: The Gautam Nagar police have registered an FIR against members of the Ramrajya Mitra Mandal for allegedly obstructing a public road and violating noise pollution regulations during a Khatu Shyam bhajan sandhya programme held near the Ganesh Mandir Trisection on Chhola Road. The event, which began on May 20, reportedly continued until the early hours of Thursday, causing significant inconvenience to local residents and commuters.
Details of the Incident
According to the FIR lodged by a sub-inspector posted at the Gautam Nagar police station, police personnel, including traffic staff, were deployed at the venue on May 20 to manage traffic and ensure security during the programme. However, the organisers allegedly blocked the main Chhola Road in front of Ganesh Mandir, disrupting the movement of vehicles and pedestrians. The FIR also stated that large sound system boxes were being operated at volumes exceeding permissible limits late into the night, disturbing the peace of the locality.
Alleged Non-Compliance with Police Directions
Police officials claimed that the organisers were instructed to stop the high-volume sound system and remove the stage from the public road due to the late hour and the obstruction caused to traffic. However, they allegedly failed to comply with these directions. Following the incident, the Gautam Nagar police registered a case under section 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for obstruction of a public way and section 7/15 of the Noise Pollution Act. The matter is currently under investigation.
Violations and Timing
Elaborating on the violations, police revealed that one of the organisers, Lokesh, had sought permission for the programme, stating it would be held between 9 pm and 1 am. However, the event allegedly continued past 2.30 am. Furthermore, the programme was supposed to be organised within the courtyard of Ganesh Mandir, but the organisers blocked the road from Tuesday itself, a day before the event, disrupting traffic movement in the area.
Supreme Court Guidelines on Loudspeakers
Police pointed out that as per Supreme Court guidelines, loudspeakers are permitted only until 10 pm and are prohibited between 10 pm and 6 am. Several residents of the locality allegedly faced inconvenience due to the loud noise and traffic disruption caused during the programme. Additionally, cops stated that the organisers have not yet submitted the permission allegedly granted for the event, and police suspect that the permission application may have been rejected.
Investigation Underway
ACP Rakesh Baghel confirmed that a case has been registered against the organisers for allegedly blocking the road and operating loudspeakers beyond the permitted time limit. He added that further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the violations and to take appropriate legal action.
