‘Menace’ of E-Rickshaws and Unauthorized Vehicles at Tilhar Bypass Crossing; Questions Raised Over Police Presence.
Shopkeeper Attacked with Sticks, Iron Rods for Objecting to Traffic Jam, Suffers Head Injury; Traffic System Remains Disrupted Despite Presence of Pink Booth and 112 PRV.
Tilhar/Shahjahanpur: The Tilhar Bypass Crossing has increasingly become a hub of traffic jams and disorder due to the haphazard operation of e-rickshaws and unauthorized passenger vehicles. The situation is such that despite a police Pink Booth and a 112 PRV being stationed just a few steps away from the crossing, there appears to be no effective traffic management. Local residents allege that despite the presence of police personnel, no effective action is being taken to control the arbitrary operation of unauthorized vehicles.
According to local sources, following earlier questions regarding alleged illegal collection of money from vehicles, there is now discussion of alleged collection in the name of assigning ‘numbers’ to e-rickshaws, autos and unauthorized vehicles. It is alleged that because of this purported system, an unregulated crowd of vehicles remains parked and moving around the bypass crossing and beneath the bridge, frequently leading to disputes between vehicle operators and other people.
Objecting to the Traffic Jam Proved Costly
A case of assault involving a shopkeeper named Haroon was reportedly reported at the bypass crossing on Sunday. It is alleged that Haroon had objected to the traffic jams being caused by unauthorized vehicles. Following this, some people allegedly attacked him with sticks and iron rods, causing a serious injury to his head that required several stitches.
Questions are also being raised over the police action following the incident. Local residents allege that the lack of effective action despite incidents of assault is emboldening influential persons and vehicle operators.
Questions Raised Over Alleged ‘Phone Pressure’ on Police
Sources claim that after the incident, calls from influential persons allegedly began reaching police officials in an attempt to protect the accused. Although these claims have not been officially confirmed, the incident has raised serious questions regarding the functioning of the local police and the alleged interference of influential persons.
The biggest question remains: When a police Pink Booth and a 112 PRV are present at the Tilhar Bypass Crossing, why is there still no effective control over the arbitrary operation of unauthorized vehicles, traffic jams and incidents of assault?
Local residents have urged senior officials to conduct an impartial inquiry into the entire matter, investigate complaints of alleged illegal collection of money at the bypass crossing, launch a campaign against unauthorized passenger vehicles, and streamline the traffic system. They have also demanded fair and impartial action in connection with the assault incident.
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