VISAKHAPATNAM: Vizag youths’ proficient use of latest communication technology is taking a toll on the crime police in keeping a check on bike racing.
Even as the police increase the vigil on the stretch of the beach, bike races and stunts continue unabated late nights along the Tenneti Park-IT SEZ stretch and a few other isolated areas on the city outskirts.
“Our patrolling vehicles will be moving along the stretch at regular intervals. But, interestingly, the youth also keep a tab on the movement of the police vehicles and continuously communicate with each other to avoid confrontation with the cops, “ said a senior traffic officer.
According to the police, the bikers maintain Whatsapp groups wherein the head of the gang passes information about the venue and timings of the bike racing. It is known that they use this platform to even communicate the movement of police vigil vehicles on the night of the race.
A senior police officer from the city said that the RK Beach Road had CCTV vigil and bikers performing stunts or racing, could be immediately identified. But the issue raises hackles as they go racing on the roads at the stretch of Rushikonda area and the IT SEZ, and other areas which do not have CCTVs. Isolated spots at the Rushikonda area such as Ozone Valley layout, Mangamaripeta road and Bheemili road are places where the youth conduct races and practice bike stunts.
Last Sunday, more than 100 bikers in three groups with racing bikes performed zig zag driving with risky stunts from Rushikonda area to Park Hotel junction.
The zig zag driving disturbed the other motorists going towards Sagar Nagar, Peda Rushikonda, Yendada and other areas. “Youngsters, especially college-goers, have been performing risky stunts for money and thrill. We have been counselling students in various colleges in the city over the ill-effects of such dangerous activities,” said a crime police official.
In March, the city police arrested seven youths from the city, who were performing racing and stunts in the coastal stretch. Police were serious after the bikers disturbed the locals and devotees during the Shivaratri day.
However after the incident, there was no major drive against the bike racing gangs.
It is also learnt that there are some agents in Visakhapatnam, who offer bikes on rent to the youth just for races and stunt performing. The hiring charges are said to be very high.
Meanwhile, some police officers say that an increase in crime patrolling along the stretch will be the best solution. “More than 25 Crime patrolling vehicles will be on roads after launching them by the Chief Minister. Vigil at those vulnerable areas will be definitely intensified,” said a senior officer from Law and Order.