Cricket fans celebrate Team India’s victory by waving the Tricolour atop a bike in Gaya on Sunday. Picture by Suman

Patna, April 3: India’s World Cup win was undoubtedly an overwhelming high and a reason to celebrate. But cricket fans threw caution to the devil, as they took to the streets to celebrate.

Several fans ignored the lessons taught by Dhoni’s Devils in the final clash against Sri Lanka: don’t take unnecessary risks. But the youths on speeding bikes exposed themselves and others to unnecessary hazards by violating traffic rules.

Cricket fans on bikes remembered to carry the Tricolour like the Men in Blue after the victory in Wankhede but unlike Gambhir and Yuvraj, they forgot to wear the helmet.

With the police allowing leeway to the cricket fans to celebrate the historic win, some of them zigzagged on the streets, speeding on their bikes.

 

“It was crazy with so many people out on the streets. There were many just speeding on their bikes, cutting through cars carelessly,” said Faizan Alam, 31, a businessman.

He added: “There was minimal police presence. Some careless bikers even sustained minor injuries. Thankfully, it was nothing major.”

Alam’s friend, Alok Prasad, said many of the bikers were drunk.

“A group of bikers missed our car by a whisker as they sped away on Station Road. There were three people on the bike. They were drunk. We got into an altercation with them. The bikers just sped away after that,” said Prasad.

Faizan and Prasad were returning home after watching the match at a friend’s place with their families.

Some people present at Dakbungalow roundabout last night said the bikers were really a problem.

“Everyone was having fun, some had consumed liquor. But they were not harming anyone. However, there was a group of bikers who were speeding on busy roads. They were driving crazily without caring about other people. A bike fell and some of them were hurt. But they got up and again sped away,” Ashok Chaudhary, a student, said.

Police, however, claim there were enough number of men in uniform to prevent mishaps.

“There was no major incident involving bikers yesterday. Thousands of people were on roads last night. Policemen were also on high alert to prevent any mishap,” said the officer.

Patna police have been planning to tighten the noose around rash bikers who have become a menace for the residents of Patna. Former Patna senior superintendent of police B.S. Meena had formed an anti-rash driving cell with a group of probationary sub-inspectors.

“The cell is working fine. Everyday the police intercept at least 10 rash bikers and fine them. The penalty for rash driving is Rs 1,000. Bikers are also fined if they do not have necessary documents or helmet. We are serious about tackling this issue,” a police officer said.