Bikers go on racing spree once police conclude night patrolling

The accident at Moghalrajpuram, which claimed the lives of two youngsters, brought to the fore the increasing menace of unofficial street races in the city at night.
The bike which met with an accident at Moghalrajpuram in Vijayawada on Sunday, killing two youths | Express
The bike which met with an accident at Moghalrajpuram in Vijayawada on Sunday, killing two youths | Express

VIJAYAWADA: The accident at Moghalrajpuram, which claimed the lives of two youngsters, brought to the fore the increasing menace of unofficial street races in the city at night. Though there is no evidence of street racing in this incident, the city police have the responsibility to keep a vigil on the streets during night, especially after 2 am. “Vijayawada could be more safe if the police focus on patrolling at night,” an insider opined.

In recent months, people walking on the road or crossing a bike in some of the busy areas like Bandar road, National Highway, BRTS Road, Kanuru - Autonagar road are having a tough time. Many youngsters, residing in hostels of nearby colleges, come and eat at Night Food Courts at Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation (IGMC) Stadium. They hangout at IGMC Stadium till 2 am and conduct street races after police leave the premises.

Knowing that traffic and law and order cops will conclude their patrolling after making sure that every stall at IGMC is closed, youth organise races on the main roads. One can see bikers going at breakneck speed on city roads during late hours. “Many times, we have witnessed bikers driving sports bikes at dangerous speed,” said Mahesh, an employee in a call centre near IGMC Stadium.

Even in the police investigation of Sunday’s road accident, the officials confirmed that the two were riding the bike at a high speed in a congested Moghalrajpuram road. “There is a 10 degree curve in the junction and they lost control over the bike and hit the road. Though we could not come to a conclusion that at what speed they were riding the bike, the speed range might have been from 90 to 100 kmph,” said investigating officer Jajula Prasad.

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