A uniformed Mumbai police officer was recently photographed riding as a second pillion passenger on a two-wheeler. The rider of the vehicle was not wearing a helmet violating traffic and road safety laws. The two-wheeler was an Activa with a "police" badge.
A commuter, named as Prasad, captured the incident and shared the photo on social media. The image clearly showed the vehicle's registration number, "MH47 AE5165." The video quickly went viral on the internet. Prasad shared the photo on Reddit with the caption, "No helmet, triple seat, Police Activa with police in uniform."
Mumbai Police must adhere to the rules like everyone else!
The post led to outrage on social media. Many users criticised the officer’s actions and questioned the enforcement of traffic laws. One user commented, "Rules are for everyone; why are the enforcers breaking them?" Another said, "This sets a bad example for citizens."
The Mumbai traffic police responded on X by stating that it had taken action against the individuals responsible for the event. "Challan created on vehicle no. MH47AE5165/MUMCC24002512740/21-Dec-2024 16:26," it read.
According to the police, the challan was issued in accordance with Sections 128(1)/194(C) MVA and 129(D) MVA.
As per the Maharashtra government's website, a "driver of a two-wheeler involved in triple riding would attract INR 100 for the first offence and INR 300 for the second or subsequent offence as punishment." In this instance, the compounding cost was INR 200 in accordance with Section 200 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Whereas the penalty for not wearing a helmet or other protective headgear was INR 100 for the first offence, INR 300 for the second or subsequent offence, and INR 500 for the compounding charge.
Some users raised concerns about accountability. A comment read, "When the enforcer is the offender, who will enforce the enforcer?" Others noted that incidents like this undermine public confidence in road safety rules.
This is not the first time Mumbai police officers have been accused of violating traffic laws. In a previous case, two female officers were seen riding a scooter without helmets.
A Twitter user, Rahul Barman, shared a photo of the incident, showing the vehicle’s registration number, "MH01ED0659."