This year’s Shab-e-Barat was the first in at least three years where not a single incident of violence or accident was reported, according to senior Delhi Police officers.
The number of traffic violations also came down this year with 5,530 drivers being prosecuted compared with the 6,700-odd challaned last year.
While 2,412 people were challaned on the spot, around 3,130 got challans sent to their homes.
Stunt biking
Denying that there was even a single incident of stunt biking, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sharad Aggarwal said the offences included rash and negligent driving, drunken driving, triple pillion, riding without helmets or seat belt and even red light jumping.
Among these, the percentage of red light violators is less said Mr. Aggarwal but these are the ones who may lose their licences for three months as per the guidelines of a Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety.
The maximum number of violations was reported in East, Central and South Delhi such as Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, ITO junction, Geeta Colony and Lodhi Road.
What particularly worked for the police in keeping a tab on stunt biking was placing a network of barricades in the vulnerable areas and also the presence of elderly people from the Muslim community appealing them to stay away from performing stunts.
Over 100 pickets were placed and special arrangements were made in areas such as Chandni Chowk, Lahori Gate and Idgah where large crowds gathered.
The police vigil started around 10 p.m. on Sunday and lasted for nearly eight hours.
