A prominent real estate developer in Surat, Gujarat, found himself behind bars after a brazen act of celebration spiraled into a public nuisance and legal trouble. The incident, which involved halting evening traffic on a bustling road to set off fireworks for his son's birthday, was captured on video and spread rapidly across social media platforms.
The Disruptive Birthday Celebration
The event unfolded on December 21 near the Langar Circle in Surat's Dumas area. At approximately 8 pm, Deepak Ijardar, a 58-year-old builder and resident of Sultanabad, decided to celebrate his son Dhyey's birthday in an extraordinary manner. He reportedly stepped onto the public road in front of the local post office, bringing vehicles to a standstill to create space for his fireworks display.
Ijardar, who lives at Bhakti Bungalow beside the Sultanabad post office, was seen in the viral video holding firecrackers and stopping commuters. Witnesses stated that the unauthorized celebration caused heavy traffic congestion, severely inconveniencing the public. The situation escalated further when Ijardar allegedly threatened a motorist by brandishing the flames from the lit firecrackers in his hand.
Police Action and Legal Repercussions
Acting on the viral video, the Dumas police swiftly intervened and arrested Deepak Ijardar. Assistant Commissioner of Police Deep Vakil clarified the charges, stating that bursting firecrackers on a public road is a direct violation of a notification issued by the Commissioner of Police. Consequently, Ijardar was booked under the relevant legal provisions.
Authorities registered a case against him under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to disobedience of orders duly promulgated by a public servant. During the subsequent legal proceedings, Ijardar reportedly apologized for his actions and promised not to repeat the offense. He later managed to secure bail after his arrest.
A History of Controversy
This is not the first time Deepak Ijardar has been involved in a public altercation. Police records indicate a prior incident from July. In that case, he was accused of threatening a woman named Darshana Patel over the fixing of posters in Sultanabad. It was alleged that he, along with his bodyguards, abused her in front of her son. The Dumas police had registered a case based on Patel's complaint at that time.
The recent fireworks episode highlights a recurring pattern of disregarding public order and law. The police action underscores a zero-tolerance approach towards activities that disrupt civic life and safety, regardless of the perpetrator's social or economic standing.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that personal celebrations cannot infringe upon the rights and convenience of the broader public. The use of a busy thoroughfare for a private event not only created chaos but also posed significant safety risks to commuters and the individual himself.
