Guwahati: City grapples with rising lawlessness; reckless youth take over streets at night

Staff reporter

Guwahati: Once celebrated for its cultural heritage and economic ambitions, Guwahati is now gaining notoriety for an alarming rise in lawlessness. As night falls, certain parts of the city transform into chaotic zones where reckless youth take over the streets, engaging in dangerous stunts, flouting traffic rules, and showing blatant disregard for law and order.

A recent viral video has reignited concerns over street anarchy, capturing a young man nonchalantly riding on top of a moving vehicle, cigarette in hand, with the vehicle’s number plate deliberately concealed. In another shocking incident, a group of bikers was caught on camera performing dangerous stunts near Staff College, Khanapara, putting their lives—and those of unsuspecting commuters—at grave risk.

As these incidents grow in frequency, frustrated citizens are questioning the effectiveness of law enforcement in the city. “If these kids can openly flout traffic laws on a busy weekday night, what’s stopping more serious crimes from taking place?” asked one frustrated local. The growing concern is not just about reckless driving—it is about a culture of impunity that seems to be taking hold.

There is a widespread belief that many offenders feel emboldened by their wealth, privilege, or political connections, which allegedly shield them from facing legal consequences. A senior citizen, speaking anonymously, expressed his frustration: “This is beyond a traffic issue; it’s a governance failure. The city is slipping into disorder.”

Residents fear that if such reckless behaviour continues unchecked, it could soon lead to tragic consequences. “Are we waiting for a fatal accident before taking action?” questioned a concerned citizen.

As one of India’s rapidly developing cities, Guwahati has been witnessing numerous infrastructural advancements, including 24-hour open shops, improved road networks, and expanding industries. However, these developments are being overshadowed by rising incidents of reckless driving, underage drinking, and road accidents caused by irresponsible youth.

With new developments in the city, questions arise: Will these problems be addressed with stringent measures? Can the administration effectively curb such incidents before they escalate further?

While authorities often respond to such incidents with fines and challans, many believe that stricter enforcement and immediate intervention are necessary. Citizens argue that a more robust approach such as increased patrolling, stringent penalties, and legal consequences needs to be implemented.

Also Read: Guwahati: Police arrest 3 youths for reckless stunts on moving vehicle

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