Ambulance crew, HRTC driver assaulted in separate road rage incidents near Shimla
Shimla, May 25,
With a sudden surge in tourist inflow and vehicular movement across Himachal Pradesh, incidents of traffic violations, hooliganism and road rage are increasingly becoming a major concern for the police administration and the general public. Within the past 24 hours, two separate incidents of violent clashes on roads have disrupted traffic movement and highlighted the growing menace of intoxicated youths and bullying on highways.
On Sunday morning, four youths were detained by Shimla Police for allegedly assaulting an HRTC driver near Kachighati after a dispute involving overtaking of a vehicle.
The incident had briefly disrupted traffic on the busy road and raised concerns over the safety of public transport staff.
In another disturbing incident on Monday morning, an ambulance driver and emergency medical technician (EMT) were allegedly assaulted by a group of intoxicated youths near Shimla while they were returning from Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) after dropping a patient.
According to a government official, EMT Ashish Sharma and pilot Manoj were travelling towards Solan when they encountered a violent scuffle on the road involving some youths reportedly from Haryana and Shimla.
Also Read Duo detain for assaulting a Volvo bus driver in Shimla
The ambulance remained stranded for nearly five minutes as the men continued fighting despite repeated sirens and horn warnings.
The ambulance staff alleged that the youths abused them and manhandled the EMT, even tearing his clothes, when they requested passage for the emergency vehicle. The EMT immediately informed police by dialling 100.
Shimla Police reached the spot soon after and initiated action. Police officials said some of the youths appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Authorities are investigating the incident and identifying those involved.
According to SP Shimla on Saturday and Monday around 70000 tourists vehicle entered in Shimla and Solan however given the limited parking lots and limited capacity of town to accomodate the somany cars giving sleepless nights to Administrations the situation further precipitate in the state capital as many travellers indulged in drive and drunk.
The victims of such road rage are criticizing state government policy to allow 24/7 opening of business establishments and soft treatment with the hooligans.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
