Seven Individuals Arrested Following Reckless Car Stunt on Hirakud Reservoir Dyke
In a significant crackdown on dangerous driving, authorities in Odisha have arrested seven persons for allegedly performing high-risk car stunts on the right dyke of the Hirakud reservoir. The incident, which occurred on Friday night, has drawn attention to the safety hazards posed by such activities on this critical infrastructure.
Details of the Incident and Arrests
The arrests were made on Saturday after police identified the individuals involved through their social media posts, where they reportedly flaunted the stunt. All seven arrested are in their 30s, with most being businessmen who own expensive vehicles. According to SDPO (Burla) Baleswar Gidhi, a total of four cars were used in the stunt, with two costly cars seized so far and police actively searching for the remaining two.
"We came to know from their post on social media, where they wanted to flaunt their stunt. However, considering the stretch witnesses frequent tourist and official movement, such activities encroaching upon the road can pose a threat to people and the riders as well," Gidhi stated, emphasizing the public safety concerns.
Legal Charges and Investigation
The accused have been booked under multiple sections for their reckless actions. The charges include:
- Rash and negligent driving in a dangerous manner
- Obstructing a public way (line of navigation)
- Causing obstruction in the free flow of traffic
A case has been registered under section 281/285/3 (5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 184/201 of the Motor Vehicle Act. Police clarified that no arrests were made during the stunt itself; instead, the individuals were traced later by tracking their mobile numbers and social media presence.
The Hirakud Dyke: A Scenic Yet Perilous Location
The 14-kilometer-long dyke, built in the 1950s, serves as a stone-paved road that is more than just a dam infrastructure. It is a popular visitor attraction throughout the year, offering breathtaking views with the Debrigarh mountains on one side and the sprawling 700-square-kilometer Hirakud reservoir on the other.
However, this scenic beauty comes with inherent risks. The dyke's height exceeds 20 feet, and its serpentine road design makes it fraught with danger, especially when misused for stunts. Sources indicate that despite awareness campaigns and regular patrolling, visitors often engage in reckless behavior, including taking dangerous selfies from luxury bikes and cars.
"Despite generating awareness and regular patrolling, visitors are misusing the dyke and resorting to reckless driving. Most of the people can be seen taking selfies dangerously while sitting in luxury bikes and cars," added Gidhi, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing public safety at the site.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
This incident underscores the broader issue of road safety and the misuse of public infrastructure for thrill-seeking activities. The Hirakud dyke, while an enjoyable driveway and tourist paradise, requires strict adherence to traffic rules due to its high-risk environment. Authorities are urging visitors to prioritize safety over social media bravado to prevent potential accidents that could harm both individuals and the surrounding ecosystem near the Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary.
As the investigation continues, police are intensifying efforts to locate the remaining vehicles involved and ensure that such stunts are deterred in the future through enhanced monitoring and legal enforcement.
