Social media abuzz with video of man swimming on waterlogged road on Pumpwell Circle in heavy rain
Mangaluru: Pumpwell Circle, a bustling junction in the city of Mangaluru, underwent a peculiar transformation on Monday evening as heavy rainfall turned it into an unexpected swimming paradise. The persistent downpour, which commenced at approximately 3:30 in the afternoon, resulted in widespread chaos and left numerous individuals stranded at the circle, exacerbating the already severe traffic congestion.
Amidst the tumultuous scene, the attention of onlookers was captivated by a man who took to swimming in the waterlogged junction. A video capturing this sight quickly went viral, showcasing the man navigating the submerged area beneath the Pumpwell flyover, much to the amusement of the gathered crowd.
Amidst the spectacle, the individuals filming the incident could be heard expressing their astonishment and humor, remarking, "Swimming under the Pumpwell flyover, at Mangaluru Smart City."
ALSO READ: Commuters, ambulances face inconvenience as heavy rains pile up traffic on Mangaluru roads
The issue of waterlogging at Pumpwell Junction has long plagued the city, causing immense difficulties for residents, particularly during the monsoon season. Despite repeated complaints from citizens, the problem of artificial flooding persists, even though the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has constructed drains beneath the flyover.
Shanthi Vishwanath, a local businesswoman who owns a shop at the junction, humorously commented on the situation, stating, "It took ten years to construct the flyover, but only a short spell of rain is enough to flood the entire junction." She further emphasized that the root of the problem lies not in the intensity of the rainfall but in the inadequate management of water flow.
The incident at Pumpwell Circle once again highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the persistent waterlogging issues in the area, ensuring the convenience and safety of the city's residents during heavy rainfall episodes.
First monsoon the famous pumpwell circle of mangalore turned into a swimming pool pic.twitter.com/a0r4S6i5Ss
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Allahabad HC quashes case against 2 students booked for reading namaz at restricted site
Prayagraj (PTI): The Allahabad High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against two students accused of offering namaz at a place barred by the local administration.
A single judge bench of Justice Saurabh Srivastava set aside the proceedings arising out of an FIR lodged under sections 143 (member of unlawful assembly) and 188 (orders duly promulgated by government officials) of the IPC, observing that the implication of the applicants "who had no criminal history" was not justified.
A court in Sant Kabir Nagar had taken cognisance of the alleged offences and issued a summoning order against the two students in May 2019.
Counsel for the applicants submitted that the two were merely students with no prior criminal record and had been implicated solely for intending to perform namaz in accordance with their faith.
It was also argued that one of them was preparing for a competitive exam and continuation of trial in such a "petty offence" could adversely affect his future.
Opposing the plea, the additional government advocate acknowledged the absence of criminal history but contended that certain locations had been notified as prohibited for offering namaz to maintain law and order.
The state submitted that the applicants knowingly insisted on reading namaz at the restricted site and violated administrative instructions meant to preserve peace and harmony.
The court observed that in a democratic and secular country, citizens of every faith are guaranteed the right to follow their beliefs and rituals. However, it underlined that in a socially diverse society, directions issued by the local administration must be followed in the larger interest of communal harmony and law and order.
The bench noted that the prosecution of the two applicants, particularly in the absence of any criminal antecedents, was unjustified and could adversely impact their future.
In its order dated February 17, the court quashed the proceedings only in respect of the two applicants.
At the same time, it warned them to strictly follow any instructions or specific restraints issued by the local administration.
