Traffic on a crucial Delhi-Gurgaon link was thrown into disarray this week after acts of vandalism inside an underpass, with police revealing the culprits to be two young children. The Gurgaon Police on Thursday announced the apprehension of two minor boys, aged just 9 and 12 years, for hurling stones and broken tiles at vehicles passing through the Hero Honda Chowk underpass on National Highway 48.
Viral Videos Trigger Safety Shutdown
The incident came to light on Monday when videos showing shattered windshields and damaged bodywork of several cars went viral on social media. The footage, filled with debris and glass inside the underpass, alarmed commuters and raised immediate concerns about possible infrastructural failure. In response, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) took the drastic step of closing both sides of the underpass on Monday night, citing grave safety risks for motorists.
In a statement on social media platform X on Wednesday, the NHAI identified the cause. "Some anti-social elements pelted broken tiles and stones into the underpass at Hero Honda Chowk, creating a serious safety hazard for moving vehicles," the authority stated, adding that several vehicles were damaged and the act posed a severe accident risk.
Traffic Snarls and Investigation
The closure of the underpass, a critical connectivity hub linking Delhi to Manesar and key Gurgaon roads, led to significant traffic congestion on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway throughout Tuesday morning. The gridlock persisted until authorities could ascertain the structure's safety.
Following a detailed inspection by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) on Tuesday, the underpass was given a clean chit and reopened to traffic at 2 pm. The NHAI clarified that the road had suffered no structural damage.
Meanwhile, police action was initiated based on a complaint filed at the Sadar police station by a commuter whose car was damaged while driving home from Sector 48 on Monday. An FIR was registered against unknown persons. The probe quickly led investigators to the two juveniles, who were identified and apprehended on Wednesday.
Minors Admit to Act, Face Counseling
During questioning, the police said the minors admitted to throwing stones at passing vehicles. Given their age, the legal process will focus on reform rather than punishment. "The boys will be produced before a Child Welfare Committee for counseling," a police officer stated.
The incident highlights recurring concerns about public safety and vandalism on key urban infrastructure. While the quick reopening of the underpass after the CRRI inspection prevented prolonged disruption, the event caused considerable inconvenience to daily commuters and underscored the potential dangers of such reckless acts.
