Petrol pumps in Ranchi are finding it difficult to implement the district administration's order of denying fuel to bikers who ride in minus helmets.
Slanging matches and even fisticuffs have been reported from around the capital ever since the order was announced a week ago. The order formally came into effect on Monday.
At a fuel station on HB Road, two college-goers could be seen engaged in a heated argument with employees on Monday morning after being denied petrol for riding helmet-less. After a few nasty exchanges, the employees were forced to refuel the bike to prevent a traffic jam on their premises.
Also on Monday morning at a petrol pump in Kokar, some bikers without helmets manhandled workers on being denied fuel.
However, the aggressors had to beat a hasty retreat after local traffic policemen rushed to the rescue of the fuel station employees by resorting to a mild lathicharge.
"Ever since the order was passed last week, we have been trying to implement it sincerely. We have also put up copies of the directive. However, there are many who simply don't care about rules," rued Kamal Nath, a manager at Lalpur petrol pump.
"We have strictly ordered our men not to give fuel to riders without helmets. The problem is most youngsters take it as a personal affront," he added.
Luckily for Nath, a police picket at the nearby intersection has meant less trouble in comparison to elsewhere.
The less fortunate ones are still grappling with the issue. "We are here to work and not mess with customers. We try not to give petrol to people without helmets but we can't force it on those who love to defy norms," said Pankaj Sahu, a worker at a HB Road petrol pump.
He added it was mostly young boys who created a ruckus. "Thanks to police intervention, more people wear helmets these days. However, school and college students tend to be aggressive and threaten us with their so-called connections," he added.
Meanwhile, the administration has asked all petrol pump owners to install close-circuit cameras to monitor customers, an added financial burden most are unwilling to take up. .
"We are concerned about the safety of our customers and welcome the administration's idea, but people are not bothered about their safety. On the other hand, we are losing out customers either by turning them away or getting into a fracas. The police should at least depute some personnel at every pump to prevent brawls," said Sajjad, the manager of a Kantatoli pump.
When contacted superintendent of police (traffic) R.K. Prasad said the no-helmet-no petrol scheme had already made a huge impact.
"It's not that all are wearing helmets, but many are. We have instructed petrol pumps to give us the vehicle numbers of those who create a ruckus and we will take action against them," said Prasad.
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