Kodambakkam Residents Block Road in Protest Against Late-Night Motorcycle Stunts

Several youths performed dangerous stunts and raced motorcycles across central stretches of Chennai late Saturday night, prompting angry residents in Kodambakkam to block Kodambakkam Main Road with barricades in protest.

Groups of bikers were seen speeding along thoroughfares across Nungambakkam, the Gemini Flyover, Royapettah, Kodambakkam, and Valluvar Kottam. At the Valluvar Kottam signal, more than 25 youths gathered with their motorcycles and performed stunts on the road. Videos showing the riders speeding past other vehicles subsequently circulated widely online.

The riders repeatedly revved their motorcycle engines, alarming other motorists and disturbing local residents late into the night. Residents noted that such races had become a regular feature on Friday and Saturday nights along these corridors.

Tension prevailed on Kodambakkam Main Road as residents stepped out of their houses to protest against the noise and high speeds. In an effort to halt the racers, residents placed barricades across portions of the road, briefly disrupting vehicular traffic.

The motorcyclists sped away as the residents moved to block them. When patrol police personnel arrived at the scene, residents surrounded the officers and questioned them over what they described as inadequate enforcement despite repeated complaints.

Police later detained three bikers for questioning in connection with the racing and stunt driving.