The first day of New Year 2015 witnessed a cold and foggy weather. But it did not deter the denizens to move out of their homes and enjoy the day. On one side picnic spots were packed with crowd, on the other side city police recorded more number of drunk-and-driving cases since 31st midnight to the wee hours of January 1.
The crowd was comparatively three thousand more at Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park on Thursday. Zoo Director AK Patra said, “last year we had earned revenue of Rs 3 lakh but this year it was Rs 3 lakh 80 thousand.” In the parks within the city like Sido-Kanhu Park, Nakshatra Van, Rock Garden, Shree Krishna Singh Park and Aqua world, large numbers of children were seen enjoying with their parents. Even in temples including Jagannathpur temple, Pahari temple, Manitola Kali temple and Hinoo Hanuman temple there was back-to-back rush from early morning to late evening.
The directions of Chief Secretary Sajal Chakraverty regarding life-jacket availability for boating and security for women were strictly followed. At Hundru Falls, police has banned boat-driving. Some youths insisted for boat driving in this spot but it was not permitted. At Jonha Falls, majority of men were seen enjoying the waterfall. A maid servant Maya Devi who was here with her friends from a village near Airport said, “I never take off from work except on New Year. This is the day to take break from work.”
Meanwhile, no major complaints of accident were reported within the state capital. A squad headed by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prabhat Kumar was on patrolling since midnight. City SP Anoop Birtharay said around 70 men were detected driving after taking alcohol. “We had to keep them in our custody and leave after two or three hours when their family members approached for their release. Most caught drivers were between the age group of 30 to 40 years,” Birtharay added.
In the evening, two teenagers were found dead on Ring Road at Rampur in Namkom. Namkom police said a motorcycle was found near the bodies of Kartik Swansi (13) and Krishna Swansi (16) and suspect the death due to road mishap. In a similar road accident, a youth named Avinash Kumar (22) died. At Torpa block situated outside city, another road accident occurred wherein two bikes clashed. Injured ones were immediately taken to the hospital. But, two men namely V Bara and James Purty lost their lives.