The New Year celebrations in Chennai were marred by accidents, reckless stunts, and defiance of regulations, resulting in the loss of four lives and several incidents of unrest.Accidents Claim Four Lives
In separate incidents in southern Chennai, four people, including a teenager, two young men, and a 55-year-old churchgoer, lost their lives in accidents on East Coast Road (ECR), Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), and other areas.
Among the victims was Sarukesh (19), a hotel management student, who died on the spot when his bike collided with a parked container lorry near Injambakkam on ECR. His friend Sanjay (19), who was riding pillion, sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital.
In another fatal accident, a young man from North India died in Siruseri after his bike skidded on OMR due to overspeeding. Meanwhile, a youth from Nookampalayam lost control of his bike and fell into a pit near Sithalapakkam, leading to his death.
Dangerous Stunts and Police Crackdowns
The reckless behavior of some revelers escalated as youngsters performed dangerous stunts on two-wheelers along ECR, blasting loud music and speeding through the roads. Many were seen engaging in wheeling and other illegal activities. While police managed to seize 242 two-wheelers involved in illegal racing and stunts, several youth fled the scenes before they could be apprehended.
Despite strict regulations, some individuals ventured into the sea outside the city limits, defying bans and endangering their lives.
Heightened Surveillance and Preventive Measures
To curb drunk driving and other violations, the city police deployed over 30 flying squads on the Chennai-Tiruchy National Highway in areas such as Pallavaram, Tambaram, and Vandalur. These teams conducted random checks, booking intoxicated drivers and issuing warnings to those not wearing helmets or seatbelts.
Protest Over Cancelled Event
A commotion erupted outside a theatre on ECR after police halted a New Year event due to the organizers’ failure to obtain proper permissions. Over 500 ticket-holders staged a roadblock in protest, demanding a refund. Police intervened, pacifying the crowd by assuring them of appropriate measures to retrieve their ticket money.
A Somber Start to the Year
The New Year celebrations, intended to be a time of joy and new beginnings, were overshadowed by tragedy and unruly behavior. Authorities have urged the public to celebrate responsibly, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety measures and regulations.