Ludhiana rings in 2016 at peace

Ludhiana: With the men in khaki keeping a strict vigil, New Year's Eve passed peacefully in Ludhiana except for isolated incidents of hooliganism in Sarabha Nagar, Pakhowal Road, Model Town and Mall Road.The DCP confirmed that no case of eve-teasing was reported at night. In all, 22 challans were issued for drunken driving and 49 for speeding, said assistant commissioner of police (traffic) Richa Agnihotri. She added that some hooligans were also issued challans after being taken into custody. Compared to last year, traffic police issued more challans this time around.The ACP added the number of people issued challans for speeding could have been higher if would have had a speed gun with night vision.Deputy commission of police Narindra Bhargav said they were able to keep check on revellers by setting up 12 check posts across the city to keep tab on speeding and drunk driving. "There were no cases of hooliganism and eve teasing reported last night, which suggests that our efforts bore fruit," Bhargav added.Even as the police claimed that no case of hooliganism and eve teasing was reported on New Year, there were reports of isolated incidents where drunken drivers, especially some youngsters, did create problems for motorists. "I, along with my wife, was going through Model Town main market in my car at around 8.30pm when a speeding Bolero tried to force its way despite coming from wrong side. The drunk driver even uttered expletives at the intersection while some cops looked on. Since he was drunk, I didn't confront him as I feared being abused and manhandled," said Mandeep Singh of Pakhowal road.