Nagpur: Hookah parlour, bar crowds make Ramnagar Chowk unsafe after attack on car driver
Residents blame Ambazari police inaction after a car driver was attacked on October 5; two arrested, others absconding.
Nagpur: Crowds of criminals gathering at a well-known hookah parlour and bar have turned Ramnagar, under Ambazari police station limits, into a public spectacle. Residents have been in fear since the night of October 5, when a car driver was attacked by criminals. They blame the negligence of Ambazari police and fear a major incident could occur at any time because of the criminals' presence.
On the night of October 5, Rahul Kanaujia was driving through Ramnagar Chowk in a car with his wife Shivani and their children. Three drunken youths had parked their car in the middle of the road near the chowk, blocking Rahul's car. Rahul honked and asked them to move their car aside. They abused him and hit him on the head with a tommy bar, seriously injuring him.
Police registered a case of assault and arrested Prince Bhanuse and Pushkar Sharma, residents of Golibar Chowk. Their other associates are absconding. The accused had come to the well-known hookah parlour and bar at Ramnagar Chowk. Most people who visit it park their vehicles on the road, which constantly troubles residents. Residents have complained several times to Ambazari police and the traffic branch, but neither is serious about the matter.
After the incident, when the case reached the police station, a policeman named Aditya, a friend of the accused, turned up to mediate. Serious criminal cases against Aditya are registered at different police stations. He has also been suspended and is posted at headquarters. He stays away from duty and spends time with criminals. He is friendly with the hookah parlour operator.
The crowds of criminals at the hookah parlour and bar have created a situation at Ramnagar Chowk in which bloodshed is possible. Residents say they avoid passing through there late at night. Although liquor sales are shut across the city on dry days, it is easily available at Ramnagar Chowk on the sly. A three-tier security arrangement has been put in place to evade police action. In addition, a team of Unit 2 of the Crime Branch and Ambazari police station staff constantly pass on updates about the officers' movements.
When contacted, Zone 2 DCP Annapurna Singh said notices had been issued to the hookah parlour and bar seeking a reply. If residents complain, a recommendation will be made to the municipal corporation to shut it down.
