Hello Yamaraj on MG Road

Bengaluru woke up on Tuesday to a surprise sight: Yamaraj, the God of Death, was walking around, looking out for people violating traffic rules. Inspired by campaigns in other cities, the city traffic police have roped in an actor to play Yama to instil fear in people, and remind them that violating traffic rules is often an invitation to death.

“Violators usually pay a fine and forget about it. But if they are caught by Yama, they will never forget it,” says a traffic inspector on duty near Kaveri Handicrafts on MG Road.

The police also put up street plays, featuring Yamaraj, as people stopped, watched, and clicked selfies.

To the amusement of onlookers, Yamaraj clambered onto cars jumping the traffic signal at the Brigade Road junction. Message: he is watchful of your reckless actions.

Keeping in mind the dark sentiments an encounter with the God of Death might evoke, the actor handed out roses instead of the ‘mrutyupasha,’ the noose used by the deity to take people away to the other world. “We have seen terrible road accidents, head injuries, deaths, all because people didn’t follow simple traffic rules. This is no joke,” says head constable Harish Kumar.

80 roses in just a few hours

Yeeresh Muthinamatta, a theatre artist, was the man who donned the role of Yama. He was approached by Ulsoor police inspector Mohammad Ali to play Yamaraj.

“I am happy to engage in theatre for a social cause. I have already handed out roses to about 80 rule-breakers since morning. You can imagine the number of people violating rules in a single day.”

What people say

“We keep our faith in the ‘uparwala’ and drive. People die every day. You can even catch a fever in this rain and die. But those in our profession have to follow the rules because we also hold the lives of passengers in our hands.”​ Siddiqui, 34, auto driver

“If I spot a man standing on the road dressed as Yamaraj, I would be intrigued. But then, some may have no idea who Yamaraj is.”​ Arya, 19, student

“People drive like maniacs in this city. If this is what would make them feel guilty or scared, then so be it. Imagine how much is lost with one accident, how much the family suffers. Look at this guy skipping the signal right now!” Zubair, 40, pedestrian