10 May,2021 04:40 AM IST | Mumbai | The Editorial
Bike racers seen on the Eastern Express Highway
In spite of Covid restrictions, bikers are racing on the Eastern Express Highway. Vikhroli residents are being troubled by the deafening noise of roaring bikes and have complained to the police, a report in this paper stated.
Residents have said that the bikers are speeding at 3 am and at times, even in the afternoon. Locals have claimed that this is hugely disturbing. They also have a hospital in the vicinity. Police officials said they did know about the bikers. They have now promised to increase patrolling.
The minute the police see the bikers race down they need to nab them. They have flouted Covid restrictions, in fact, they are making a mockery of them, and disturbing the peace all around.
This is abhorrently insensitive considering the times we are in. There will be a number of Covid afflicted who need sleep, their peace and quiet as they battle or recover from the disease. It is even more important that these bikers are shut down considering there is a hospital in the area.
There must be punitive action, so that others too, do not feel embittered. The lockdown applies to all, so you cannot have a group of people openly breaking the law and proving that one can get away with it.
Even in non-Covid times, we have highlighted just how big a nuisance these biker gangs are. There have been bike races on empty side streets and deserted spots, but these are a definite threat to life and limb. It is dangerous not just for the biker but the unfortunate person who happens to be traversing that stretch for whatever reason.
Bike gang culture, with their speed thrills theory needs to be dealt with very harshly and stamped out. It is a malaise and they cannot get away by taking advantage of emptier roads and fewer policemen there as many are on Covid duty, today.