After drag racing on Marina, police book 242 cases of traffic violation

Dozens of youngsters, mainly on two-wheelers, were involved in racing on the road on Saturday and Sunday night, terrorising other road users.

Police have erected check posts at 29 spots, and 25 patrol vehicles by law-and-order and traffic police have been deployed to keep tab of those racing on this stretch near the beach. A senior officer said 130 police personnel, including two sub inspectors, have also been deployed along the road and also on the streets leading to it.

On Sunday night alone, 242 traffic violation cases were booked, which included 80 incidents of rash driving, 22 cases of drunk driving, 10 cases of riding triples and 130 cases for not wearing helmets. In all, 7 four-wheelers, 16 two-wheelers and an autorickshaw were also seized. The licences of those caught for rash driving have been recommended for suspension, said police.

“After 10 pm, the patrol police will move into streets. These youngsters use this an opportunity to race on the Kamarajar Salai, starting from Thiru Vi Ka bridge to War Memorial,” said a senior officer. According to him, it was not drag racing for money, which was once rampant on this stretch, but college and school students racing against one another. “This will come down once the schools and colleges reopen,” he added.

Meanwhile, Marina police on Sunday night arrested a 23-year-old man, who confronted a policeman for stopping him while racing on Kamarajar Salai. The accused K Thiyagu of Tiruvallur was booked under Sections 294 (b) (uttering of obscene words), 336 (endangering life or personal safety of others), 341 (wrongful restraint), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 506 (1) (criminal intimidation).

The incident happened at 10.40 pm near Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled Persons on Kamarajar Salai. After being alerted by passers-by about the speeding vehicles, SSI Balu and Grade-I constable Sudhandhiram, who were on duty near Gandhi statue, rushed to the spot. 

When they tried to take away the vehicles keys, an argument erupted, and Thiyagu and 14 others surrounded the policemen and held them by their collar. The constable’s uniform was torn in the scuffle. Police secured Thiyagu and seized the two-wheeler in his possession. He was remanded in judicial custody on Monday.