The obtrusive security around Jawaharlal Nehru stadium left the residents of Lodhi Road complex and Pragati Vihar hostel complex rather exasperated as they found it difficult to both reach their homes or to leave their residence.
A large number of Lodhi Road Complex residents, which mostly houses Central government employees, were left stranded far away from their homes.
Rajbir, a resident of house number 1869, Lodhi Road Complex and a CPWD employee, was turned away by the police when he tried to reach his own home. “What should I do? They are asking me to park my scooter at Safdarjung airport, take the park-and-ride bus service to my home. The police never informed us about these arrangements. I cannot even go to my home,” he fumed.
Another resident, Dr Sant Ram, left his house just to buy medicines from the nearby Mehar Chand Market but was stranded as he had no passes. “My house number is 44, Lodhi Road Complex. I am neither carrying any identity proof nor I have been issued any passes. What am I supposed to do now? I need to go home,” said a worried Dr Ram.
Same was the story of Sardesh Kumar, a resident of 1,937, Lodhi Road complex. He was not allowed to go to his home because he did not have the pass to use the lane that went to his home. “I was told to return home after the inaugural ceremony is over and spectators leave the stadium,” he said. Many others could be seen stranded near the Mehar Chand Market.
Meanwhile, for the residents of Pragati Vihar hostel complex, where class-I government officers stay, it was virtual “house arrest”.
“What do I say? Nobody is allowed to move in or out. Vehicles cannot be taken out. Luckily, so far, we do not have any complaints of people not having milk or basic articles as they have already stocked up,” said the security incharge of Pragati Vihar residents’ association.