Cake cutting and ban on littering has been in force on the Tank Bund promenade from November 2023 but revellers continue to make a beeline and go ahead with the festivities. File photo
| Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL

In the wake of a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of a six-year-old girl and her family member while crossing a road in Hyderabad to celebrate birthday, the city Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has warned citizens against organising midnight birthday parties and cake-cutting ceremonies on Tank Bund and other major roads across the city.

In an appeal issued on Friday (October 9, 2026), the Commissioner urged youngsters and parents to avoid celebrating birthdays on busy roads, near lakes and in parks, cautioning that moments of celebration could turn into tragedies due to negligence and reckless driving.

Referring to the recent accident on Tank Bund, the Commissioner said a family had gathered around 2 a.m. to celebrate the birthday of a six-year-old girl when a road accident claimed the lives of the child and another family member.

Police personnel rushed to the scene after receiving information and shifted the injured to hospital in an attempt to save their lives, but their efforts proved unsuccessful.

Following the incident, the Commissioner inspected the accident site along with senior police officials and reviewed preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies. A comprehensive assessment was also undertaken in coordination with various government departments to identify ways to improve road safety at the location.

The Commissioner pointed out that birthday celebrations and cake-cutting activities on Tank Bund were already prohibited under existing regulations, with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) having issued specific directions against such gatherings.

Despite police personnel regularly asking visitors to leave the area, some people reportedly return late at night to organise celebrations.

Highlighting the risks associated with late-night gatherings, the Commissioner said motorists often drive at excessive speeds when traffic is sparse, making it particularly dangerous for families with young children to gather along major roads.

He urged citizens to celebrate birthdays at home or in other safe locations rather than putting themselves and others at risk for momentary enjoyment.

Mr. Sajjanar also appealed to parents to discourage youngsters from gathering on Tank Bund, near lakes or at other public places for celebrations late at night and cooperate with the police in preventing avoidable accidents.

Published – October 09, 2026 12:58 pm IST