Ambulance Stuck in Traffic, Police Fine Borivli Banquet Hall for Causing Congestion

Borivli, December 19: The Borivli police have fined the banquet hall at Witty International School in Chikuwadi, Borivli West, for causing severe traffic congestion during a marriage procession on December 15. The incident left an ambulance stuck in traffic, prompting local residents to lodge a complaint with the traffic division.

The traffic jam, which occurred at around 11:45 PM, was caused by a wedding procession (Baraat) with loudspeakers placed outside the school premises. The Paradise Heights society, which is located nearby, reported the issue to the police. Society members, who had previously complained about similar incidents, expressed frustration over the recurring congestion, particularly due to wedding guests parking on the road and blocking traffic.

The police took action against the banquet hall manager, Manish Panchal, fining him Rs 5,000 for violating noise regulations, and Rs 1,200 for traffic obstruction. Speaking to mid-day, Dharmendra Jadhav, Secretary of Paradise Heights, said, "We have repeatedly requested action, but this is the first time a fine has been imposed."

Witty International School trustee Vinay Jain defended the school, stating that the loudspeakers were arranged by the wedding procession, not the school, and urged the police to hold the procession organizers accountable. Jain also pointed out that traffic congestion during school hours was often caused by parents and nearby residents parking illegally.

In response, Senior Inspector Maloji Shinde confirmed the police action, stating that the traffic was cleared with the help of traffic police after the fine was imposed.