By SUNIL SONKAR
Mussoorie, 4 May: A major commotion broke out on Sunday evening at the Mall Road barrier in Mussoorie when a tourist from Delhi insisted on taking his vehicle into the restricted zone during prohibited hours. What started as a minor argument soon escalated into a physical fight in the middle of the road.
According to eyewitnesses, the tourist had arrived with his wife and children. On-duty staff informed him that vehicle entry to Mall Road is strictly prohibited during designated hours and advised him to park in the designated parking area and proceed on foot. However, the tourist refused to comply and insisted on driving in.
It is reported that he parked his car right at the barrier and remained there for nearly five and a half hours, causing a long traffic jam and severely disrupting the flow of vehicles.
Later in the evening, when some local residents requested him to move his vehicle, a heated argument broke out. The situation quickly turned violent as the tourist and his wife stepped out of the car and got into a physical altercation with locals. Eyewitnesses claimed that slippers, kicks, and punches were exchanged between both sides. Women were also involved in pushing and scuffling.
The area near the Mall Road barrier turned chaotic, with shouting and panic all around. A large crowd gathered at the scene, further escalating tensions during the peak tourist season.
Upon receiving information, Mussoorie police reached the spot and, after considerable effort, managed to separate both parties. They were taken to Mussoorie police station, where arguments continued late into the night over filing complaints against each other.
Station House Officer Devendra Chauhan stated that complaints have been received from both sides and a thorough investigation is underway. Preliminary findings indicate violations such as entering during restricted hours, creating public nuisance, and disturbing law and order. Appropriate legal action will be taken against both parties.
He emphasized that no one will be allowed to disrupt the peaceful environment of the city and maintaining order in the tourist destination remains a top priority for the police and administration.
Following the incident, local traders and residents expressed concern over increasing disorder and negligence of traffic rules during the tourist season. They stressed the need for strict enforcement of regulations on Mall Road to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure convenience for both tourists and locals.
