The modified car (L) and the challanof Rs 1.11 lakh.
Credit: Special arrangement
In a first-of-its-kind action, the Hennur Traffic Police dished out a strong message as they imposed a hefty fine of Rs 1.11 lakh on a student for illegally modifying the silencer of his car, causing public disturbance. Interestingly, the value of the car is only Rs 70,000.
The violator, a student and native of Kerala, was driving the car on Hennur Road near Bharatiya City on January 2 when a passersby alerted the police after videos of the vehicle emitting flames and loud noise were shared on social media.
Acting swiftly, traffic police traced and seized the vehicle.
A senior police officer said that instead of registering a case, the traffic police referred the violation to the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Upon inspection, RTO officials confirmed that the car had an illegally modified silencer, which was not only excessively noisy but also emitting sparks creating panic among other motorists.
“The modification was a clear violation of the Motor Vehicles Act. It posed a serious risk and caused public nuisance,” the officer told DH.
Despite attempts by several politicians to influence the police to release the vehicle after collecting a minimal fine, the city police stood firm.
RTO officials levied the maximum permissible penalty of Rs 1,11,500 lakh, which the student paid on Wednesday, following which the vehicle was released.
Police said the action was intended to serve as a deterrent.
“This is a lesson for those who modify vehicle silencers and flout the law. Bengaluru police have zero tolerance towards such violations,” the officer added.