Cops to install CCTVs to catch bike racers

At the dead of the night, a few youngsters are taking to the roads for thrill rides. Bike racing gangs are allegedly taking advantage of traffic-free roads and lack of police vigil to conduct illegal races. But now police are set to crack the whip on bike racing gangs by installing closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in select places. The racing games take place more on the weekends when the streets wear a deserted look. Zipping on the roads at break-neck speeds, these youth are ruling the roads in Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Madhapur, Gachibowli, Tank Bund, Necklace road and some roads in Secunderabad. According to police, seven youngsters have lost their lives in such racing in the past year. Police are also suspecting that two youngsters who died on the spot in Begumpet recently, were indulging in bike racing. “To prevent such illegal bike races and other offences that takes place regular basis, we have asked for a few CCTV cameras to be installed in posh localities like Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Filmnagar and other places. We will use the cameras also to track criminal activity at night, traffic and other issues,” said R Ravinder Reddy, assistant commissioner of police, West Zone. According to sources, police have identified at least 10-20 street racing groups whose activity is spread on roads of Begumpet-Secunderabad, Banjara Hills-Madhapur, Banjara Hills-Gachibowli and on Necklace road. These members of the racing groups take all precautions to avoid being caught. “One team surveys the route before racing starts and warns about any police check posts on the route. The betting ranges from Rs10,000 to Rs 30,000, with races held over 5 km, 10 km and 12 km distances,” sources said.

By Mouli Mareedu

moulimareedu@gmail.com