Siliguri, 26th April: Traffic congestion was reported in the city due to illegal parking along Siliguri’s Sevoke More, on Monday. On being asked to remove the vehicles by the police, the auto drivers expressed outrage and protested by blocking the road.
Following the road blockade, several emergency service-related vehicles, as well as ambulances, were stuck in a traffic jam. Later, the police made way for the ambulance to pass. Continuing to defy all traffic norms, the drivers parked their city autos on both sides of Sevoke Road and continued to ignore the instruction.
Delay of medical service due to the traffic congestion created by the protest did not sit well with many people, especially considering the present situation of the COVID-19’s second wave.
The scenario raised questions regarding the awareness of the drivers concerning the ongoing pandemic. Although the police were present at the spot, the drivers hesitated to remove their vehicles. Allegedly, the protestors also misbehaved with the journalists present at the spot.