MAPUSA
A stretch of the busy NH-66 highway near Guirim allegedly turned into an illegal racing track in the early hours of Monday after a group of youth were caught on video conducting high-speed motorcycle races, raising serious concerns over public safety and law enforcement vigilance.
The incident reportedly occurred around 2.30 am when at least two bikers were seen speeding alongside each other on the national highway while several others gathered nearby, cheering and recording the race on their mobile phones.
The video, which has since gone viral on social media, has triggered outrage among citizens and prompted swift reactions from authorities.
Officials from the PWD (National Highways) expressed concern over the misuse of the highway stretch for dangerous stunts and racing activities.
PWD (NH) Executive Engineer, Gajanan Desai confirmed that the department had taken note of the viral footage and alerted the police authorities.
“We have informed the police about the video, and I am confident that appropriate action will be taken against those involved,” Desai said.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Salim Shaikh stated that the police had already initiated an inquiry into the matter and were working to identify the youth seen in the video.
“We have obtained some leads regarding the identities of the boys involved. They will be traced soon and legal action will follow,” Shaikh said.
He further admitted that such incidents are not isolated and that illegal late-night racing activities have occasionally been reported on relatively empty highway stretches.
“These races generally take place during late-night hours when traffic is minimal. We are identifying vulnerable hotspots and night patrolling will be intensified in such areas to prevent recurrence,” he added.
Residents and commuters have voiced concern over the growing trend of reckless riding and street racing, warning that such activities pose a grave threat not only to the riders themselves but also to unsuspecting motorists using the highway.
Locals have urged authorities to install additional surveillance cameras and increase highway monitoring during night-time hours to deter similar incidents in the future.
