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Indian Express
17-06-2025
- Indian Express
Noida Expressway stunt goes viral, couple slapped with Rs 53,500 fine
A man speeds down a road on a motorcycle, while a young woman clings to him — she is seated backwards on the fuel tank, her legs wrapped around his waist. This isn't a scene from a movie — it's a dangerous stunt performed on the streets of Noida, now viral on social media. The five-second clip, which went viral on Sunday, shows neither of them wearing a helmet, though the woman casually holds one in her hand. The bike bears a Delhi number plate. Following this, the Noida Traffic Police has issued a challan of Rs 53,500 to the duo for performing the stunt on a moving motorcycle along the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway on Sunday. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Lakhan Singh Yadav said they received information about the incident through a social media video in which the bike rider along with the pillion rider were seen violating traffic norms. Yadav said a challan of Rs 53,500 was issued. Speaking to The Indian Express, a senior police officer said, 'After taking the viral video into consideration we also verified it through cameras installed along the Expressway.' 'The challans were issued after they were found violating sections 181, 184, 184A and 194D of the Motor Vehicles Act. These sections mainly deal with driving without a licence, dangerous driving, disobedience of lawful directions, and riding without a helmet,' he added. 'We have alerted the traffic police and instructed them to take strict action against the duo. We are also appealing to people to not perform such stunts on any vehicle,' Yadav said. On May 24, a 25-year-old Delhi resident was booked for allegedly driving his SUV recklessly on Noida's streets and fined Rs 35,000. In videos that surfaced on social media, he was seen driving an SUV on a street near Amity University in Noida's Sector 125.
Indian Express
17-06-2025
- Indian Express
Couple fined Rs 53,000 in Noida after ‘objectionable' bike ride video goes viral; netizens call them ‘Besharam'
A video of a couple riding a motorcycle on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. The short clip shows the woman dangerously perched on the fuel tank of the bike, hugging the rider from the front, as they sped along the busy road, neither of them wearing helmets. A passenger in a car filmed the risky stunt and later shared it online, and the couple quickly drew widespread criticism. The motorcycle's registration number was visible in the 19-second footage, filmed on June 15. नोएडा: चलती बाइक पर इश्क फरमाते कपल का वीडियो हुआ वायरल, ट्रैफिक पुलिस ने काटा ₹53,500 का चालान। — Greater Noida West (@GreaterNoidaW) June 16, 2025 As outrage grew on social media over the blatant disregard for traffic laws, the Noida traffic police took action. Confirming the action on X, the Noida traffic police said, 'Taking cognisance of the said complaint, action has been taken against the concerned vehicle for violating traffic rules by issuing an e-challan (fine of Rs 53,500) as per the regulations.' उक्त शिकायत का संज्ञान लेते हुए संबंधित वाहन के विरुद्ध यातायात नियमों का उल्लंघन करने पर नियमानुसार ई-चालान (जुर्माना 53500/- रुपए) की कार्यवाही की गई है। — Noida Traffic Police (@Noidatraffic) June 15, 2025 'The video came to notice through social media in which a boy and his co-rider were seen flouting traffic norms. After that, a challan of Rs 55,000 has been issued to them,' Lakhan Singh Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Gautam Buddh Nagar, told The Times of India. Yadav also urged people to avoid such reckless behaviour, warning that strict penalties will continue to be enforced against those who break traffic rules. This isn't the first time a stunt like this has grabbed attention. A similar incident from Bengaluru had gone viral, showing another couple pulling off a risky act on a busy stretch. In that video, the man was seen riding a motorcycle helmet-less through the bustling Sarjapur Main Road, while the woman sat dangerously on the fuel tank, facing him. The video of the man driving the motorcycle, carrying a Tamil Nadu registration number, drew sharp criticism online, with people slamming the recklessness and highlighting the growing disregard for road safety.
Indian Express
10-05-2025
- Indian Express
980 trees felled in Greater Noida: In affidavit before NGT, UP official says company ‘denied responsibility'
Nearly three months after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) observed that the illegal felling of 980 trees in Greater Noida was not taken seriously by the Uttar Pradesh authorities and also asked the principal chief conservator of forests (CCF) to appear virtually before it on May 13, he filed a detailed affidavit before the green body on Saturday. In his affidavit, Sunil Chaudhary, CCF, Uttar Pradesh, said that on June 10, 2024, information was received regarding illegal tree felling within the compound of M/s Shakuntalam Land Craft Pvt. Ltd, Greater Noida Authority, which was formerly leased to Daewoo Company, Surajpur by the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation Limited. 'The Range Forest Officer, Dadri, Gautam Buddh Nagar was appointed as Enquiry Officer via a letter dated June 26 in this matter,' he said in the affidavit. Following this, he added, 'the offenders were identified' and a number of notices were issued to them, including Shakuntalam Land Craft, 'between June 2024 to March 2025'. 'But Shakuntalam in its written response on February 19 denied any responsibility for illegal felling of trees,' Chaudhary's affidavit states. Noida-based environmental activist Vikrant Tongad said that the CCF has also expressed strong displeasure with the forest department in Noida over delays and lapses in handling the case. This development came after the green body under the bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, while hearing a plea in this matter on February 9, observed that there was no record indicating what action was been taken by the forest department to trace the timber cut from the more than 900 other trees, nor to identify the individuals responsible for their illegal felling. The bench, also comprising judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Afroz Ahmad, had said, 'There appears to be a lapse on the part of the authorities in this matter. Based on the manner in which the counsel for the state (of UP) is responding to the tribunal's queries, we gathered the issue related to the felling of 980 trees, which is a significant number, has not been taken seriously by the state authorities,' the bench said. All the reports before it revealed 'unsatisfactory efforts' in the matter, the tribunal said. 'Hence, we required the principal chief conservator of forest to look into the matter personally and appear virtually before the tribunal on the next date of hearing (May 13) to apprise us about the legal status of cutting of trees and the action that has been taken,' it added.
Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Why Indian women still feel unsafe in gyms across the country
'Like anywhere, I'm definitely hyper-aware of my clothes, the looks, and the surroundings,' said Saraswathi Anand, a Bengaluru-based media professional and powerlifter, speaking to Fitness culture is booming in India, and many women are stepping out of their comfort zones to pursue health and strength. But it's not just about physical goals. Even today, many women perform a parallel, invisible workout — the constant mental calculations required to ensure their safety in gym spaces. From choosing specific workout times to adjusting attire, women's fitness journeys are shaped by concerns their male counterparts rarely consider. According to a BBC report, 'recent research found 25 per cent of 400 women surveyed had experienced an 'uncomfortable interaction' at the gym, like staring or inappropriate comments.' The situation is not very different in India. Earlier this year, Gautam Buddh Nagar's administration in Noida introduced a mandate requiring all gyms, pools, and yoga centres in the district to employ more female trainers. But do women across the country face the same issue? 'I have avoided certain timings when either the gym gets very crowded or it has men who usually work out together,' said Anand. This experience isn't unique. Across India, women are making similar adjustments to their fitness routines, revealing a complex reality beneath the surface of the country's growing gym culture. 'For me, gyms have historically been very hostile. They're designed with an unwelcoming vibe –– loud Kanye music, not many women inside, and bulked up people walking around with their protein shakes,' said Priyanka Peeramsetty, 33, from Hyderabad. 'I've become hyper-aware of my clothing and how people react to me,' said Arshia Shaikh, a PR executive, admitting it's reached a point where she is unable to work out in public as she always feels judged. 'This wasn't the case when I started; I didn't care what people thought. But now, I think thrice before even going for a brisk walk. The stares at the gym or while jogging became too much to handle. I now work out alone in my room with the door closed,' she said. 'I am particularly conscious about the clothes. I don't wear sleeveless tops or shorts as that would draw unwanted attention. But I see most men wearing shorts or sleeveless without attracting any attention, said Padmaja Konisetti from Hyderabad. This hypervigilance, the constant scanning for potential threats, takes a significant psychological toll, according to experts. Across India, women are making similar adjustments to their fitness routines, revealing a complex reality beneath the surface of the country's growing gym culture. (Source: Freepik) 'When safety is uncertain, even neutral environments become mentally exhausting,' said Jai Arora, counseling psychologist and co-founder at Kirana Counselling. 'Women may experience frustration, anxiety, and emotional fatigue from constantly monitoring their surroundings. This disrupts the very purpose of exercise, which is stress relief.' Gurleen Baruah, an existential psychotherapist at That Culture Thing, elaborated on this dynamic: 'When a woman enters a gym and doesn't feel safe or at ease, the psychological impact runs deeper than most realise. Spaces meant for strength and well-being start to feel like places where one must constantly self-monitor. They often wonder 'How tight are my clothes?' 'Who's watching me?' 'Am I taking up too much space?' First-hand experiences Women report a range of discomforts in gym spaces. 'From unwanted advice to inappropriate comments to people intruding into my workout space, quite a lot happens,' said Anand. 'You need to build an emotional armour before entering a gym.' Peeramsetty said, 'Not harassment exactly, but way too much unsolicited advice, often from people not in their best form. There's something about men and the audacity to offer tips no one asked for. Please, calm down.' Arora explained that repeated exposure to microaggressions – comments, stares, advice – can lead to avoidance behaviours. 'It's a form of learned helplessness. You begin to feel that discomfort is inevitable and nothing will change.' Baruah concurred. 'Chronic, subtle discomfort in fitness spaces can cause long-term avoidance of exercise. It doesn't affect everyone, but it's very real when the discomfort is systemic.' How gyms are responding Fitness businesses are taking note and implementing new measures. Vikas Jain, managing director at Anytime Fitness India, said, 'Our gyms are equipped with 24/7 CCTV surveillance in common areas, access-controlled entry, and emergency assistance buttons.' While the chain doesn't offer women-only hours, Jain said they 'ensure a welcoming environment with at least two female staff members, a trainer and a front desk staff during peak hours.' Addressing the trainer gender gap, he said, 'We're working actively to reverse it. Some clubs offer flexible work arrangements and incentives to recruit more female trainers. We also offer subsidised certification through our virtual 'Anytime Fitness Academy'.' Fitness businesses are taking note and implementing new measures. (Source: Freepik) Mayara Neeraj Sharma, director at MultiFit, highlighted how female leadership drives change. 'Led by Deepti Sharma and her daughter Mayara Neeraj Sharma, we've shaped a culture that prioritises safety and respect,' she said. MultiFit offers women-specific programmes, including masterclasses on hormonal health, injury prevention, personal safety, and self-defence. 'It's not just about information, it's about empowerment and community,' Sharma said. From women-led classes and trainers to wellness workshops, the chain aims to make safety a 'lived reality.' Finding community despite challenges Despite the obstacles, many women are reclaiming gym spaces and building supportive networks. ''Gym bros' aren't all bad. Some of the bulkiest men have my back and will stare down anyone who bothers me. It's about finding your tribe,' Anand said. Peeramsetty agreed, noting how representation helped shift her view. 'A friend kept hyping her pull-up progress and stressing muscle-building. That really changed things for me.' Solutions and strategies While personal coping mechanisms help, experts are of the opinion that structural change is essential. 'Joining an all-women's class with a female instructor is a practical solution, but not a permanent fix,' Arora said. Baruah offered practical advice while acknowledging its limitations: 'Strategies like wearing headphones (even without music) to signal boundaries, choosing off-peak hours, or seeking smaller, inclusive gyms can help and not because women should have to, but because it restores some control.'
