Strict BS-VI checks for rally supporters at Gurugram border, Noida goes easy

As supporters of India bloc's anti-SIR rally converged on the Gurugram-Noida border on Sunday, the intensity of BS-VI vehicle checks varied between the two areas. Gurugram imposed stricter scrutiny, permitting few non-compliant vehicles, while Noida allowed many to enter from Uttar Pradesh. By noon, a convoy of seven buses, SUVs like Scorpios and Fortuners, and other older cars waited at the Dwarka Expressway toll, poised to traverse into Delhi from Haryana.

Haryana Police officers swiftly apprehended the older, non-BS-VI compliant buses, while the newer SUVs were granted passage. As the protestors disembarked, they were confronted by police attempting to halt their movement. Slogans like "Vote chori, gaddi chori" echoed as honking commuters attempted to bypass a congested 2-kilometer stretch.

Manish, a party worker, alleged the checks were intended to impede the protesters. Some non-compliant buses were rerouted via Udyog Vihar, prompting complaints from elderly protesters about the lack of alternative paths to reach Delhi. Despite the apparent effort to enforce BS-VI regulations, several buses carrying farmers and members of opposing parties managed to enter the Capital by 1 pm.

A Delhi Police officer admitted to leniency in certain cases, noting the number of compliant and non-compliant vehicles crossing the border. By 1:30 pm, at least 81 cars and 10 buses had successfully made the journey.