Youths Bring Highway to Standstill for Birthday Bash in Chhattisgarh
In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage, a group of young individuals allegedly brought traffic to a complete halt on the Ambikapur–Banaras state highway in Surguja district, Chhattisgarh, to celebrate a birthday party. The reckless celebration triggered a massive traffic jam stretching nearly one kilometer and left multiple vehicles, including an ambulance, stranded for approximately thirty minutes.
Viral Videos Capture Reckless Celebrations on Carriageway
The incident occurred on the night of February 16 near a roadside dhaba close to the district border barrier. According to preliminary reports, the youths, believed to be residents of Ambikapur, initially held a party at the dhaba before moving onto the highway. There, they parked their four-wheelers across both lanes of the road, effectively blocking all traffic.
Videos that have since gone viral on social media platforms show the group setting off fireworks directly on the carriageway and cutting a birthday cake placed on the bonnet of a car. As the celebration unfolded, traffic began to pile up on either side of the blockade, creating a chaotic scene.
Most alarmingly, the viral footage clearly shows an ambulance caught in the gridlock. Officials have stated that it is not yet confirmed whether a patient was inside the ambulance at the time, but the potential risk to life has raised serious concerns.
Police Swiftly Register FIR Against Unidentified Accused
Following the circulation of the videos, police at the Latori outpost have taken swift action. An FIR has been registered against five to seven unidentified youths under Sections 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter) and 126(2) of relevant acts.
"The video has come to our notice. Based on it, a case has been registered and we are verifying the identities," stated outpost in-charge Arun Gupta. He added that further legal action will be pursued once the accused individuals are positively identified.
Incident Defies High Court Directives on Road Safety
This brazen act of public nuisance comes despite clear and recent directives from the Chhattisgarh High Court aimed at cracking down on such disruptive behavior. The court had specifically highlighted the need to prevent road birthday celebrations, stunts, and any acts that obstruct traffic flow.
In a suo motu case taken up around three months prior, the court emphasized that police action must not be merely "for show" but should be strong and effective enough to deter repeat offenses. The bench also instructed the state government to ensure strict compliance with all relevant rules and provisions.
During a hearing on November 21, 2025, the state's chief secretary informed the court via an affidavit that instructions had been issued to enforce strictness across all districts. The court further indicated that vehicles seized in such cases could be released on bond under certain conditions, but repeat violations within a year should result in vehicle seizure and significant penalties.
The Surguja incident now serves as a critical test of these directives, highlighting the ongoing challenge of enforcing road safety and public order laws in the face of such reckless public behavior.
