Abandoned bus stops in Chandigarh turn into haven for anti-social elements

Abandoned bus stops have become temporary shelters for anti-social elements in the city, posing a threat to safety of people living in nearby areas.

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One such bus stop in Sector 45 has been turned into a makeshift home by vagabonds. Sector 45-B Resident Welfare Society president AC Dhawan stated that five to six persons had been staying at the bus stop situated on the road separating Sectors 45 and 33 for the past some time.

He said one of them had recently tried to enter a flat on the second floor, but was caught by residents of the society and handed over to the police. He was let-off after some time, but was again caught stealing clothes from the balcony of a house, Dhawan said, adding that he was handed over to the police again. The person was produced before the court of SDM (South), which sent him to 14-day judicial custody. Dhawan added that none of those staying at the bus stop had identity cards.

He said the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) had stopped plying its buses on this route long back and the bus stand was not in use anymore.

Dhawan demanded that either the UT Administration should dismantle the bus queue shelter or the police should increase patrolling in the area and no anti-social elements should be allowed to use the bus stand.

Similarly, a bus shed opposite a housing society in Sector 51 has become a temporary shelter for some homeless people. Residents stated that a permanent arrangements should be made for the homeless, as stray dogs can harm them while they are asleep at night.