Chaos reigned on Chhattisgarh’s Ambikapur-Banaras state highway when thrill-seeking youths decided midnight was perfect for a birthday extravaganza. Firecrackers exploded, a cake was sliced on a car hood, and cars were deliberately parked to block traffic, leading to a 30-minute standstill. The jam stretched nearly a kilometer, ensnaring an ambulance and dozens of other vehicles in the Chathirma area under Jaynagar police limits.
What began as a lively gathering at a roadside dhaba on February 16 night quickly escalated. The Ambikapur residents moved their party to the highway, halting all movement in both lanes. Videos circulating on social media captured the festive frenzy: bursts of color from fireworks illuminating the dark road, cheers amid the cake-cutting, and a sea of immobilized headlights behind.
Public fury over the viral clips forced police into action. Latori chowki filed charges against up to seven individuals under relevant BNS provisions for obstructing traffic and risking lives. Officer Arun Gupta stated that identification is in progress, with all suspects linked to Ambikapur. No confirmation yet on whether the trapped ambulance carried a patient, but the potential peril was undeniable.
Such incidents spotlight the growing menace of irresponsible public celebrations that jeopardize commuter safety. Police assure comprehensive investigation and prosecution, urging citizens to report similar violations. The highway has since cleared, but the episode underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement against highway hooliganism.